Reducing family and school HIV stigma to help adolescents in Uganda stay on treatment
M-Suubi: A Multi-level integrated intervention to reduce the impact of HIV stigma on HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda
This project offers family group support, school-based stigma reduction for teachers, and economic help to help adolescents living with HIV in Uganda stay on their medicines and keep attending care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173684 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We work with school-going adolescents living with HIV in Uganda and their families to combine Multiple Family Group sessions that reduce HIV stigma with a family economic empowerment program. In some schools the project also includes a group-based stigma-reduction program for educators so schools become more supportive. The team compares outcomes such as medication adherence, engagement in care, and cost-effectiveness across different combinations of these interventions. The approach pays special attention to boarding secondary schools where stigma can be especially harmful to treatment and retention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: School-going adolescents living with HIV in Uganda, especially those enrolled in secondary boarding schools, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Adults, adolescents not attending school, or people living outside Uganda would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more adolescents living with HIV take their medicines regularly, achieve viral suppression, and stay connected to HIV care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous family-based and economic-strengthening programs have shown promise for improving adherence and retention, but combining these with school-based educator stigma reduction is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ssewamala, Fred M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ssewamala, Fred M
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.