Improving HIV treatment engagement for young sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria
Official title: Adapting and testing a combination peer navigation and mHealth intervention to enhance treatment engagement and viral suppression among sexual and gender minority youth in Nigeria
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10619071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young men who have sex with men and young transgender women in Nigeria get better access to HIV treatment and support by using friendly peer helpers and mobile health tools to make it easier for them to stick to their medication and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $685,492 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH132453-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10619071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young men who have sex with men and young transgender women aged 15-24 living with HIV in Nigeria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 15-24 or those not identifying as sexual or gender minorities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance HIV treatment engagement and viral suppression among young men who have sex with men and young transgender women in Nigeria. It will adapt and test a combination of peer navigation and mobile health (mHealth) interventions tailored to the unique needs of these youth. By focusing on community-based centers that cater to key populations, the project seeks to address the barriers these individuals face in accessing care, including stigma and lack of support. The approach will involve evidence-driven strategies to improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve HIV treatment outcomes and quality of life for young sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using peer navigation and mHealth strategies to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuhns, Lisa Mary — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kuhns, Lisa Mary
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.