Phone-based support to help young adults in Zambia manage HIV and reduce substance use
Adapting mHealth interventions to improve self-management of HIV and substance use among emerging adults in Zambia
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11393465
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11393465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a young person with HIV in Zambia, I would receive a four-session, phone-adapted version of the Healthy Choices counseling plus motivational text messages delivered through a mobile platform. The team will convert the in-person program into an mHealth format and use a structured approach to test which mix of components works best for people like me. The work is planned in three phases including adaptation, pilot testing, and optimization using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST). The tools will be delivered through the CIAS platform to help with medication adherence, retention in care, and reducing substance use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 18–24-year-olds living with HIV in Zambia who have challenges with medication adherence, retention in care, or alcohol/drug use.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–24 age range, individuals without regular access to a mobile phone or network service, or those needing intensive inpatient substance use treatment may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help young people with HIV stay on their medications, reduce substance use, and remain engaged in care using phone-based support.
How similar studies have performed: In-person Healthy Choices programs and HIV text-message interventions have shown promise for improving adherence, but combining and adapting them for mobile delivery among young Zambians is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus