HIV-positive mothers in South Africa: a first look at keeping HIV treatment and healthy postpartum weight
Official title: HIV Viral suppression and prevention of postpartum weight retention in South Africa: A Pilot trial
Funded at Hartford Hospital · NIH-11624837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, lay health worker–led pilot aims to help postpartum women living with HIV stay on treatment and manage weight to improve health after birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hartford Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hartford, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $89,835 |
| NIH project number | 4R34MH135761-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11624837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Postpartum women living with HIV who are at risk for disengagement from care and weight gain.
✕Less likely to help
Women without HIV or those not postpartum or not experiencing adherence or weight challenges may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on postpartum women with HIV and tests a culturally tailored program delivered by lay health workers to support adherence to antiretroviral therapy and address weight management. The approach considers HIV stigma and how body size preferences influence health behaviors, aiming to reduce excess postpartum weight gain. The study will refine the intervention in a real-world setting to inform larger trials that could improve long-term HIV control and maternal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help HIV-positive mothers stay on treatment and maintain healthier weight after childbirth.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests lay health worker programs can support HIV care, with this trial adapting steps for postpartum weight management.
Where this research is happening
-
Hartford Hospital
Hartford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann — Hartford Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann
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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.