NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving HIV care and managing weight in postpartum women in South Africa

Official title: HIV viral suppression and prevention of postpartum weight retention in South Africa: A pilot trial

Funded at Brown University · NIH-10924784 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to help new moms in South Africa who are living with HIV by finding ways to support them in sticking to their treatment and managing their weight after having a baby, while also tackling the challenges they face from stigma around HIV.

More Postpartum research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2024
Project endSeptember 14, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$594,148
NIH project number1R34MH135761-01A1
Project IDNIH-10924784 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa who are at risk of disengagement from HIV care and experiencing postpartum weight retention.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not postpartum or do not live with HIV may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa, aiming to enhance their adherence to HIV treatment while addressing issues related to weight retention after childbirth. The study will explore the impact of HIV stigma on these women's health behaviors and will develop tailored interventions to support both their mental and physical health. By combining behavioral therapy with education on healthy weight management, the research seeks to improve overall maternal health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved HIV treatment adherence and better weight management for postpartum women, ultimately enhancing their health and well-being.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing stigma and providing tailored interventions can improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Brown University
    Providence, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann — Brown University
  • Study coordinator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.