Implementing depression and adherence treatment for people 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-11398986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large U.S.-led study will test how to best bring effective depression and ART-adherence support to people with HIV in South Africa.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $587,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136972-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV in South Africa who also have depression and struggle with ART adherence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without depression or those not engaged in HIV care may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests two sets of strategies to scale up proven treatments for depression and antiretroviral adherence among people living with HIV in South Africa, using real clinics and a cluster-randomized design. It builds on prior work showing CBT-AD can reduce depression and improve viral suppression, adapting and expanding it with implementation approaches. The study combines effectiveness and implementation goals to see which methods reach more patients and sustain them in routine care. It involves local clinic teams and community engagement to tailor the approach to SA settings and resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with HIV and depression in South Africa could experience better mental health, higher adherence to therapy, and improved viral suppression.
How similar studies have gone: Prior CBT-AD work in SA showed improved depression and adherence and was 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
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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.