Improving HIV self-management and reducing substance use among young adults in Zambia
Official title: Adapting mHealth interventions to improve self-management of HIV and substance use among emerging adults in Zambia
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10930900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful mobile program for young people aged 18-24 living with HIV in Zambia, using friendly text messages to support them in sticking to their medication, staying in care, and making safer choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,791 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA059935-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-24 who are living with HIV and may also be struggling with substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18-24 or those not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health (mHealth) intervention tailored for young people living with HIV in Zambia, specifically targeting those aged 18-24. The project aims to adapt an existing in-person program to a mobile format to enhance accessibility and effectiveness. By utilizing motivational text messaging alongside the mHealth intervention, the study seeks to improve medication adherence, retention in care, and reduce risky behaviors associated with substance use. The research will employ a structured approach to identify the most effective components of the intervention through a series of phases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for young adults living with HIV in Zambia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions to improve health management in similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Bo — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Wang, Bo
Related research
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Phone-based support to help young adults in Zambia manage HIV and reduce substance use
This project will try a mobile program with brief counseling sessions plus motivational text messages to help 18–24-year-olds in Zambia stay on HIV treatment and cut back on alcohol or drugs.
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Mobile phone support to help young adults in Zambia manage HIV and reduce substance use
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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.