Penn Nursing is at the forefront of research to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. From promoting awareness in traditionally underserved communities to exploring biological risks in heterosexual women, our students and faculty are taking the lead in preventative healthcare and the mission to find a cure.
Associate Professor Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA, who is also one of the Associate Directors of Penn’s Center for Health Incentives & Behavioral Economics (CHIBE), is part of the team that recently received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a nudge unit focused on HIV prevention in South Africa.
Data show that young adult women in the United States have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that increase their risk of HIV. Though epidemiologic and behavioral factors for risk have been studied, we know very little about brain factors that may be linked to STI/ HIV sexual risk.