Improving mental health and HIV care for pregnant women in Malawi

Enhanced problem-solving therapy and HIV engagement support to improve perinatal mental health and HIV outcomes in Malawi: A randomized controlled trial

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11142661

This study is looking to help pregnant and breastfeeding women in Malawi who are dealing with depression and HIV by providing them with special support to improve their mental health and keep them on track with their HIV care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11142661 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing problem-solving therapy and providing support for HIV engagement among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Malawi. It aims to address the high rates of perinatal depression, which can hinder effective HIV care and treatment. By implementing a randomized controlled trial, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in improving mental health and HIV outcomes for mothers and their infants. Participants will receive tailored support to help them stay engaged in their HIV care during and after pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant or breastfeeding women living with HIV in Malawi who may be experiencing perinatal depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or those who do not have HIV, may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and better HIV care engagement for pregnant women, ultimately reducing vertical transmission of HIV to infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing mental health issues can significantly improve engagement in HIV care, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.