Investigating substance use and mental health in adolescents living with HIV in Cape Town
Official title: Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort- Substance, Imaging, Mental Health (CTAAC-SIM)
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-11082673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the challenges that young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa face, especially how using substances might affect their mental health and brain development, so we can better support them and help them cope during this important time in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $470,988 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DA053736-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 15 to 25 years living with HIV, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or are outside the age range of 15 to 25 years may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the unique challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to explore the effects of substance use on mental health and brain development in two groups of youth: those infected through sexual exposure and those infected at birth. By using advanced imaging techniques and behavioral assessments, the study seeks to identify the specific needs and experiences of these adolescents to improve their health outcomes. The research will also investigate how these factors influence resilience and coping strategies during this critical developmental stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored interventions that improve mental health and substance use outcomes for adolescents living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting the intersection of substance use and HIV in adolescents, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the mental health needs of youth living with chronic conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoare, Jacqueline — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Hoare, Jacqueline
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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.