Adaptation of a problem-solving approach to boost PrEP use during pregnancy in Zimbabwe
Official title: Adaptation of a problem-solving intervention to address individual and provider level barriers to PrEP uptake and adherence in pregnancy in Zimbabwe
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11490517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-level program is being adapted to help pregnant and postpartum women in Zimbabwe start and stick with HIV PrEP, with support from providers and communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $100,361 |
| NIH project number | 3R34MH134698-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11490517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant or postpartum women in Zimbabwe who are at risk for HIV and eligible for PrEP, along with involved healthcare providers.
✕Less likely to help
Women not at risk for HIV or not considering PrEP, or those not engaged with antenatal care, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to tailor a problem-solving therapy-based approach to address personal, social, and clinic-level barriers to PrEP uptake and adherence among pregnant and postpartum women in Zimbabwe. By adapting existing adherence strategies, the team hopes to improve PrEP persistence and reduce new HIV infections during a high-risk period. The study will build on prior work linking problem-solving skills with better medication adherence and lower depressive symptoms, applying it to PrEP as implemented in antenatal clinics in Zimbabwe, with collaboration across Zimbabwe, the US, and the UK.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase PrEP acceptance and long-term use among pregnant women, reducing HIV transmission risk during a vulnerable time.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that adapting problem-solving interventions improved antiretroviral adherence and reduced depression, supporting potential applicability to PrEP adherence.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'cleirigh, Conall Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: O'cleirigh, Conall Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Healthy Families-PrEP: helping women in Uganda start and stay on PrEP during periconception, pregnancy, and postpartum
A program in Uganda helps periconception, pregnant, and postpartum women use PrEP safely to prevent HIV, with support sessions and monitoring.
-
Healthy Families-PrEP: helping pregnant and new mothers in Uganda stay HIV-free
A family-focused program in Uganda tests an approach to help women who are planning pregnancy or are pregnant or postpartum use PrEP to prevent HIV infection.
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Pregnancy safety and infant outcomes with long-acting PrEP agents (CAB-LA and LEN) for HIV prevention
This study follows pregnant and breastfeeding women using long-acting PrEP drugs to understand safety for moms and babies when these medicines are taken during pregnancy and after birth.
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PrEP in Pregnancy and Postpartum Data Hub
A patient-friendly data-sharing project that brings together information from many pregnancy and postpartum PrEP studies to better understand HIV prevention for mothers and their babies.
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Adapted problem-solving program to boost PrEP use in pregnant women in Zimbabwe
A multi-level program is being adapted to help pregnant and postpartum women in Zimbabwe start and stick with PrEP to prevent HIV.
-
Using text messages to help pregnant women stay on HIV prevention medication
This study is looking to help pregnant and new moms in areas with high rates of HIV remember to take their prevention medication by sending them supportive text messages, making it easier for them to stay healthy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.