Improving HIV care for newly diagnosed individuals in refugee settlements in Uganda
Achieving HIV viral suppression in refugee settlements in Uganda with Head StART: a cluster randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of community ART delivery for people newly diagnosed with HIV
This study is looking at how giving HIV treatment right in refugee communities in Uganda can help people who are newly diagnosed start and stick with their medication, making it easier for them to stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015020 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how community-based delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can improve the initiation and adherence to treatment for people newly diagnosed with HIV in refugee settlements in Uganda. It addresses the unique barriers faced by refugees, such as long travel distances to clinics and social stigma, by providing ART directly within the community. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this approach through a cluster randomized trial, aiming to enhance viral suppression rates among participants. By focusing on individuals at the critical time of their HIV diagnosis, the research seeks to improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals newly diagnosed with HIV living in refugee settlements in Uganda.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newly diagnosed with HIV or those living outside of refugee settlements may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rates of ART initiation and viral suppression among newly diagnosed individuals in refugee settlements.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings from a pilot study suggest that community ART delivery may enhance viral suppression, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'laughlin, Kelli Nicole — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: O'laughlin, Kelli Nicole
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.