Empowering Black Women Living with HIV to Improve Medication Adherence

A Randomized Control Trial of Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD) among Black Women Living with HIV

NIH-funded research University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11043448

This study is testing a new program called STEP-AD to help Black women living with HIV stick to their medication by using supportive techniques that address their unique challenges, and it includes ten sessions to boost their confidence and health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043448 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and testing a program called STEP-AD, which aims to empower Black women living with HIV to improve their medication adherence. The program combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with strategies to cope with unique challenges such as trauma and discrimination. Participants will engage in ten sessions designed to address their specific experiences and promote resilience, ultimately helping them manage their health better. The study will assess the effectiveness of this intervention through a randomized control trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who are living with HIV and experiencing challenges with medication adherence.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Black women or those who are not living with HIV may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve medication adherence and health outcomes for Black women living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that trauma-informed interventions can be effective, but this specific approach targeting Black women living with HIV is novel.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, 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 2026-06-13 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.