ATN Era #2
2006-2011
During our second funding cycle, the ATN’s research studies focused on addressing barriers like stigma, housing, and limited access to healthcare services.
A note on study titles: Some ATN studies use language that’s now outdated or have long titles full of scientific jargon because they were named for researchers instead of young people. In more recent eras of the ATN, we try to create youth-friendly titles.
To stay true to our history, we’ve kept the original study names but included plain-language study descriptions to make them easier to understand.
2006
2006
ATN 021B
2006-2007
ATN 021B
2006-2007
ATN 021B was a companion study to ATN 021A and studied the same questions about how HIV and HIV medications affect body composition, bone health, cholesterol, and blood sugar, but focusing on adolescent and young men. This helped researchers better understand the long-term effects of HIV treatment.
ATN 040 & 041: Connect to Protect (C2P)
2006-2011
ATN 040 & 041: Connect to Protect (C2P)
2006-2011
This phase of C2P built on earlier partnerships by putting HIV prevention plans into action.Communities worked together to improve local programs, services, and resources to make it easier for youth to get the information, testing, and support they needed to stay healthy.
ATN 053
2006
ATN 053
2006
Study Title
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Risk Behavior in HIV Positive Female Adolescents
Researchers for the ATN 053 study recognized that HIV prevention and care are influenced by much more than medical treatment alone. Experiences such as abuse, trauma, and stress can have lasting effects on health and behavior.
ATN 053 gave young women living with HIV an opportunity to share their stories and experiences with trauma. By listening directly to participants, researchers gained a better understanding of how past experiences can affect mental health, substance use, relationships, and sexual health, helping inform more supportive and trauma-informed care.
ATN 055
2006
ATN 055
2006
Study Title
Initial Intervention Development for Newly Diagnosed Youth with HIV
Getting an HIV diagnosis can be overwhelming. ATN 055 helped researchers understand how to better support young people during that critical time. Researchers conducted interviews with healthcare providers and focus groups with youth ages 16–24 living with HIV to learn about the challenges, strengths, and support needs that arise during the first months and years after diagnosis.
The goal was to develop a culturally relevant, age-appropriate intervention for youth who are newly diagnosed—the findings provided the foundation for Project ACCEPT, a 12-session intervention for youth newly diagnosed with HIV.
2007
2007
ATN 061
2007-2010
ATN 061
2007-2010
Study Title
Preservation and Expansion of T-cell Subsets Following HAART De-intensification to Atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) in Adolescents and Young Adults with CD4 + T Cells > 350 cells/mm3 Initiating HAART
ATN 061 looked at whether starting HIV treatment earlier could help young people’s immune systems stay stronger. Researchers tested whether participants could first control HIV with a full treatment regimen and then switch to a simpler approach while maintaining good health and immune function.
The study found that young people who started antiretroviral therapy with CD4 counts above 350 experienced significant immune recovery during the first 48 weeks of treatment. Important types of immune cells increased, showing that the immune system was rebuilding after treatment began. However, researchers also found that despite successful viral suppression and immune recovery, markers of immune activation and inflammation remained elevated, suggesting that HIV can continue to affect the immune system even when treatment is working well.
ATN 061 was conducted during a period when researchers were debating how early HIV treatment should begin. The study added evidence that earlier treatment can help preserve and restore immune health, helping inform later recommendations that encouraged earlier treatment for people living with HIV.
ATN 062: Tell Juliana
2007-2009
ATN 062: Tell Juliana
2007-2009
Study Title
Microbicide-Use Adherence, Acceptability, and Attitudes among Sexually Active Young Women Participating in a Phase I Microbicide Trial (MTN-004) “Tell Juliana“
The ATN’s “Tell Juliana” study was was conducted alongside the MTN-004 microbicide trial and explored what young women thought about using a vaginal gel designed to help prevent HIV.
Participants used electronic diaries, emails, and in-depth interviews to share their experiences with the product, including how easy it was to use, how consistently they used it, and what they liked or disliked about it—providing critical information for the development of future HIV prevention tools designed with users’ needs in mind.
The study found that most participants were willing to try HIV prevention products and generally viewed gel-based prevention methods positively. We learned that:
- Acceptability varied based on factors such as the gel’s texture, leakage, timing of use, and how it affected sexual experiences.
- Participants valued having HIV prevention options that they could control themselves.
ATN 063
2007-2010
ATN 063
2007-2010
Study Title
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Safety and Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplement to Improve Tubular Reabsorption of Phosphate and Decrease Bone Turnover in HIV-infected Adolescents and Young Adults Treated with ART Containing Tenofovir
ATN 063 tested whether vitamin D could improve bone health in youth living with HIV who were taking tenofovir. The study showed that a simple, low-cost intervention—vitamin D supplementation—could help address bone health concerns associated with HIV treatment by improving vitamin D status, lowering parathyroid hormone levels, and supporting healthier bone outcomes.
These findings helped inform strategies for protecting the long-term health of youth living with HIV.
ATN 068: Project ACCEPT
2007-2009
ATN 068: Project ACCEPT
2007-2009
Study Title
Intervention Development for Newly Diagnosed Youth With HIV
ATN 068 was a pilot study that tested an intervention later known as Project ACCEPT (Adolescents Coping, Connecting, Empowering, and Protecting Together). The intervention was designed to help young people who had recently been diagnosed with HIV adjust emotionally, build support networks, learn about HIV care, and stay engaged in treatment.
Participants met one-on-one with trained staff and also joined group sessions with peers who were facing similar experiences. The program focused on coping skills, relationships, stigma, healthy decision-making, stress management, and connecting to care and support.
The study laid the groundwork for larger evaluations of Project ACCEPT. Later research found that participants showed improvements in HIV knowledge, social support, and overall engagement with the intervention.
2008
2008
ATN 064
2008-2010
ATN 064
2008-2010
Study Title
Immunogenicity, Safety, Tolerability, and Behavioral Consequences of an HPV-6, -11, -16, -18 Vaccine in HIV-Infected Young Women
ATN 064 tested whether the HPV vaccine worked well for young women living with HIV. HPV can cause genital warts and several types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
The study showed that the HPV vaccine was safe and produced strong immune responses in young women living with HIV, helping support HPV vaccination as an important cancer prevention strategy.
ATN 065
2008-2009
ATN 065
2008-2009
Study Title
Validation of the HIV Treatment Readiness Measure
ATN 065 validated the HIV Treatment Readiness Measure, a tool designed to help providers assess whether youth living with HIV were prepared to start treatment and identify areas where additional support might improve adherence.
ATN 069
2008-2010
ATN 069
2008-2010
Study Title
Integrated Treatment of Alcohol and/or Marijuana Abuse for HIV-Infected Youth – Phase I
ATN 069 adapted and pilot-tested a behavioral intervention to reduce alcohol and marijuana use among youth living with HIV. The study demonstrated that combining counseling and incentive-based approaches was a feasible strategy for supporting substance use treatment in this population.
ATN 070
2008-2009
ATN 070
2008-2009
Study Title
Psychosocial Needs of HIV+ Young Men Who Have Sex With Men
ATN 070 asked young people living with HIV about their lives, hopes, and challenges. The study focused on understanding how youth were coping with an HIV diagnosis while thinking about relationships, school, work, family, and their future. Researchers used both interviews and surveys to learn directly from participants.
The study found that things like self-confidence, support from others, and feeling positive about the future can help young people living with HIV stay engaged in care and take care of their health. On the other hand, stigma and negative feelings about having HIV can make it harder to attend appointments and get the support they need. The study showed that helping young people build resilience, strengthen their support networks, and develop a positive sense of identity may improve both their well-being and their long-term health outcomes.
ATN 071
2008-2010
ATN 071
2008-2010
Study Title
Neurocognitive Assessment in Youth Initiating HAART
ATN 071 examined how HIV and HIV treatment affect brain function in young people ages 18–24. Researchers compared memory, attention, learning, processing speed, and other cognitive skills among youth who started HIV treatment and those who had not yet started treatment.
2009
2009
ATN 067
2009-2010
ATN 067
2009-2010
Study Title
ID and Testing Via Friendship Networks – A Pilot Study to Identify Undiagnosed Asymptomatic HIV Infections in Adolescent and Young Adult Women
ATN 067 tested whether friendship networks could be used to increase HIV screening among young women. The study showed that peer recruitment was a promising strategy for reaching individuals who might otherwise go untested.
ATN 073
2009
ATN 073
2009
Study Title
A Secondary Prevention Empowerment Intervention for Young Women Living with HIV
ATN 073 was a formative study that worked directly with young women living with HIV to develop a prevention and empowerment program tailored to their needs. Rather than testing an intervention, researchers used focus groups to learn what topics, skills, and support young women wanted in a future program: healthy relationships, communication, self-confidence, and reducing the risk of HIV transmission and other STIs.
ATN 078
2009-2010
ATN 078
2009-2010
Study Title
A Pilot Study Using Cell Phone Interactions to Improve Medication Adherence in Adolescents Who Have Previously Failed Antiretroviral Therapy Due to Non-Adherence
ATN 078 used cell phone calls to help young people remember and stay motivated to take their HIV medications. The idea was simple: provide regular support, reminders, and problem-solving help from a real person to make it easier to stick with treatment.
ATN 078 found that regular cell phone support helped young people take their HIV medications more consistently and improve their viral load. Participants liked having someone check in, help them solve problems, and remind them to stay on track with treatment.
ATN 081
2009-2010
ATN 081
2009-2010
Study Title
Treatment De-Intensification and Residual HIV-1 in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Sub-Study of ATN 061 and ATN 071
ATN 081 looked at whether starting HIV treatment early could help reduce the amount of hidden HIV left in the body. Researchers studied blood samples from young people whose HIV was well controlled to better understand how HIV reservoirs and very low levels of virus change over time.
ATN 082
2009-2010
ATN 082
2009-2010
Study Title
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Trial With Young Men Who Have Sex With Men
ATN 082 helped researchers learn whether PrEP could be a realistic HIV prevention option for young people. The study explored whether youth would use PrEP regularly, what challenges they faced, and what kinds of support they needed to stay engaged in HIV prevention programs.
ATN 082 showed that many young people were willing to use PrEP and participate in HIV prevention research. The study also found that youth may need additional support to stay engaged in care and take PrEP consistently, helping researchers design better prevention programs.
ATN 086
2009-2011
ATN 086
2009-2011
Study Title
Network-Wide Assessment of Current Health Status and Behavioral Risk Factors
ATN 086 was a large, network-wide study that collected information about the health, behaviors, and experiences of young people living with HIV who were receiving care at ATN sites across the United States. Researchers gathered data on medication adherence, sexual health, substance use, mental health, and clinical outcomes to better understand the needs of youth living with HIV.
It created one of the largest datasets describing young people living with HIV in care and helped researchers identify important patterns and needs.
2010
2010
ATN 072: Project MESA
2010-2011
ATN 072: Project MESA
2010-2011
Study Title
Computer-Delivered Motivational Intervention to Prevent Adherence Problems Among Youth Newly Recommended for HIV Medications: Project MESA (Motivational Enhancement System for Adherence)
Project MESA tested a brief, computer-based intervention designed to help young people who were just starting HIV medication build motivation and habits for taking their treatment consistently. The program used motivational interviewing techniques and consisted of only two sessions, making it easier to deliver in real-world clinic settings.
The study found higher adherence, better viral load outcomes, and strong participant satisfaction, supporting further development of the intervention.
ATN 076
2010
ATN 076
2010
Study Title
Evaluation of an Intervention to Reduce Preventive Misconception in HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials
ATN 076 tested ways to help young people better understand HIV vaccine research before deciding whether to join a study. Researchers were particularly interested in reducing preventive misconception—the mistaken belief that being in a vaccine study automatically protects someone from HIV.
ATN 076 found that teens better understood HIV vaccine studies when educational materials directly addressed common myths and misunderstandings.
ATN 079
2010-2013
ATN 079
2010-2013
Study Title
Contextual Influences on Success in Achieving Structural Change
ATN 079 examined why some community coalitions are more successful than others at creating structural changes that help prevent HIV. The study focused on the ATN’s Connect to Protect® (C2P) coalitions and explored how factors such as community politics, local history, social attitudes, partnerships, and stigma affected efforts to improve conditions for youth at risk of HIV.
ATN 079 found that community change is easier when people and organizations work together toward a common goal. The study also showed that stigma can make change more difficult, but communities can be successful by building partnerships, addressing conflicts, and creating support for HIV prevention efforts.
ATN 080: COMB
2010-2012
ATN 080: COMB
2010-2012
Study Title
Treatment for Depression Among HIV-Infected Youth
Depression is common among young people living with HIV and can make it harder to stay engaged in care and take medication consistently.
ATN 080 developed and refined a program called COMB (Combination Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication Management), making it easier for youth to receive mental health care alongside their HIV care and laying the groundwork for larger studies.
ATN 084
2010-2011
ATN 084
2010-2011
Study Title
ID & Testing in Male Partners: A Pilot Study to Identify and Describe the Male Networks of Adolescent and Young Adult Women Enrolled in ATN 067
ATN 084 was a follow-up study to ATN 067 that explored whether young women could help recruit their current and former male sexual partners for HIV screening. The goal was to better understand sexual networks and determine whether partner-based recruitment could identify people who might otherwise not be tested for HIV. The study suggested that using partner networks may be a useful way to reach people who might otherwise miss opportunities for HIV screening.
ATN 089
2010-2011
ATN 089
2010-2011
Study Title
Phase 2: A secondary prevention empowerment intervention for young women living with HIV
ATN 089 built on the earlier ATN 073 study by taking the intervention that young women helped design and testing it in real-world settings. The study developed, refined, and pilot-tested an empowerment program called Evolution: Young Women Taking Charge and Growing Stronger to see whether it was acceptable, feasible, and ready for a larger clinical trial.
Participant feedback helped refine the program and create an intervention that was ready for future larger-scale testing.
ATN 093
2010-2012
ATN 093
2010-2012
Study Title
Evaluation of SMILE in Caring for Youth: CDC-ATN/NICHD HIV Testing and Linkage-to-Care Collaboration
ATN 093 looked at how to help young people with HIV get connected to care and stay connected to care. Researchers studied programs across the country to learn which approaches were most successful at helping youth move from HIV testing into ongoing medical care and support services.