Helping people with latent TB finish their treatment
Video DOT and Economic Incentives to promote adherence to LTBI therapy
This project is testing new smartphone tools and financial support to help people with latent tuberculosis in Baltimore complete their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people in Baltimore, especially those born outside the US, have latent tuberculosis (TB), which means they carry the TB germ but don't feel sick. Finishing the long treatment for latent TB can be hard, especially for those facing financial or housing challenges. This project wants to make it easier by using smartphone apps for video check-ins and offering financial incentives. Our goal is to help more people complete their treatment and prevent them from developing active TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-US-born adults aged 21 and older living in Baltimore who have latent TB, especially those also affected by conditions like HIV or diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have latent TB or who reside outside of Baltimore would not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could help more people with latent TB complete their treatment, preventing them from developing active TB and improving public health.
How similar studies have performed: While video-directly observed therapy has been explored, this project combines it with economic incentives and smartphone delivery in a novel way to address specific challenges in latent TB treatment.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Maunank — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Shah, Maunank
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 below.