Creating a program to help people with HIV in South Africa manage mental health and social challenges.
Official title: Developing and piloting a multilevel intervention to address psychosocial and structural syndemics in people with HIV in South Africa
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11237402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people living with HIV in South Africa by providing support for mental health and practical needs, like food, to make it easier for them to stick to their treatment plan.
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 | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,844 |
| NIH project number | 3K23MH135748-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV in South Africa who are experiencing mental health challenges or social issues that affect their treatment adherence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not face psychosocial or structural challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a comprehensive intervention to support individuals living with HIV in South Africa, addressing both mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress, as well as structural challenges such as food insecurity. The approach involves creating a multilevel program that combines psychological support and practical resources to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). By understanding how these psychosocial and structural factors interact, the research aims to enhance health outcomes for patients. The intervention will be tested for its acceptability and feasibility among the target population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health and quality of life for people living with HIV by enhancing their adherence to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing psychosocial and structural factors can improve health outcomes for individuals with HIV, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jasper Samuel — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jasper Samuel
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.