A peer support program to help people with HIV and substance use issues in primary care

Stepped Care, Peer-Delivered Intervention to Improve ART Adherence and SUD in Primary Care

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10879044

This study is testing a friendly support program that helps people living with HIV and dealing with substance use issues stick to their medication by connecting them with peers who understand their struggles and can offer personalized help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10879044 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a peer-delivered intervention designed to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among individuals living with HIV who also struggle with substance use disorders (SUD). The approach involves a stepped care model, where patients receive tailored support based on their specific needs, integrating behavioral interventions into primary care settings. The program aims to address the significant treatment gap for substance use in resource-limited environments, ensuring that patients receive adequate support to improve their health outcomes. By leveraging peer support, the intervention seeks to enhance motivation and provide practical skills for managing both HIV and substance use challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have substance use disorders and are seeking care in primary healthcare settings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or substance use issues may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for patients living with HIV by enhancing their adherence to treatment and reducing substance use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies, such as the Khanya intervention in South Africa, have shown promising results in improving ART adherence through peer support, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.