Interactive story program to support mental health for young people with HIV in Nigeria
An interactive, narrative intervention to address the mental health treatment gap among young people living with HIV in Nigeria
An interactive story-based program to help young people in Nigeria living with HIV manage depression and stick with their HIV treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375694 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are a young person living with HIV in Nigeria who is feeling depressed or stressed, this project offers a story-based program designed to teach practical problem-solving and coping skills. The program uses engaging interactive narratives and task-shifted Problem-Solving Therapy delivered by non-specialist health workers or through supported digital tools. Participants will be screened for depression and offered the narrative intervention alongside usual HIV care at clinics. The aim is to make mental health support easier to access and to help young people stay on their HIV medication and in care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young adolescents and youth living with HIV in Nigeria who have symptoms of depression or psychological distress and are engaged with or reachable by HIV care services.
Not a fit: People without depression or psychological distress, those living outside Nigeria, or individuals with severe psychiatric disorders requiring specialized care are unlikely to benefit from this program alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce depression and psychological distress and improve antiretroviral adherence and clinic engagement for young people living with HIV in Nigeria.
How similar studies have performed: Task-shifted Problem-Solving Therapy has shown success in similar low-resource settings, while delivering it via interactive narratives is a newer approach being tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahonkhai, Aimalohi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ahonkhai, Aimalohi
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.