Depression care and medication support for people living with HIV in South Africa
Official title: Implementing depression and adherence treatment in S. Africa HIV care
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11383100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is trying new ways to bring proven depression therapy and help with HIV medication adherence to people living with HIV in South Africa so they can feel better and keep their viral loads low.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $359,521 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH136972-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11383100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who have symptoms of depression and receive care at one of the participating clinics in South Africa are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without depression symptoms, those not receiving care at the participating South African clinics, or those outside the study sites are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You would receive a proven therapy called CBT-AD (cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression) delivered in routine HIV clinics, often by trained nurses or other clinic staff. The project randomizes 10 clinics to compare a core set of implementation steps versus an enhanced set to see which approach reaches more patients and lasts over time. Researchers will track mood, how well people stick to antiretroviral therapy, and viral suppression, and will collect information on costs and barriers. The goal is to embed care in real clinics so more patients can access effective depression treatment alongside their HIV care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more people with HIV and depression could get effective mental health care, improve medication adherence, and achieve higher rates of viral suppression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials, including work in South Africa, have shown CBT-AD delivered by task-shared providers improves depression and ART adherence and can be cost-effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Safren, Steven a — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Safren, Steven a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
-
Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.
-
DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients
A Spanish-speaking CBT program called DESCANSO is being tested to help Latino cancer patients feel less tired, sleep better, and happier.
-
Personalized iTBS for Depression: Faster, Targeted Brain Stimulation
A personalized, time-efficient brain stimulation approach may help people with treatment-resistant depression achieve better relief using tailored iTBS settings.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
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.