Support for men's mental health and HIV medication use in low-resource settings
Official title: Addressing mental health and HIV medication adherence among high-risk men in a resource-limited setting
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11172425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project pilots a program that combines mental health support with help taking HIV prevention and treatment medicines for high-risk men in low-resource settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $72,503 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH135806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11172425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
High-risk men in resource-limited settings who are taking or considering PrEP or ART and who experience depression, anxiety, or other stress-related barriers to medication adherence are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not at risk for HIV, women, or men without mental health or adherence challenges (or those outside the study locations) are unlikely to benefit from participation.
What this research studies
You would help shape the program through interviews so it fits the needs of men like you. A small group will then try the program so the team can refine the manual and how it is delivered. After that, people will be randomly assigned to the new WeCare program or to enhanced usual care and followed at enrollment, 3 months, and 6 months. The program uses problem-solving therapy, stress-and-coping skills, and a status-neutral, non-stigmatizing approach to support adherence to PrEP or ART.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve mood and help men stay on PrEP or ART more consistently, lowering HIV risk and improving health.
How similar studies have gone: Other integrated mental-health and adherence programs have shown promise in some settings, but this specific status-neutral, tailored approach in high-risk men in resource-limited areas is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Operario, Don — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Operario, Don
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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WeCare: a combined mental health and HIV medication support program for high-risk men
A patient-friendly program called WeCare aims to support mental health and improve adherence to HIV meds among high-risk men in settings with limited resources.
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WeCare: a mental health and HIV medication adherence program for high-risk men in resource-poor settings
A patient-friendly approach called WeCare is being tested to help high-risk men manage stress and depression while sticking to HIV PrEP and ART in low-resource settings.
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Mental health and HIV medication support for men in low-resource areas
This project will try a combined mental-health and medication-support program to help high-risk men in resource-limited areas stay on HIV prevention and treatment.
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Improving mental health and medication adherence for men who have sex with men in South Africa
This study is testing a new program to help men who have sex with men in South Africa improve their mental health and stick to their HIV medications, so they can feel better and stay healthy.
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An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
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Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
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.