Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
Official title: Suubi-Mhealth: A mobile health intervention to address depression and improve ART adherence among Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Uganda
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11614513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $103,788 |
| NIH project number | 3R33MH131044-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11614513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are youths aged 14–17 living with HIV in Uganda who experience depressive symptoms and have access to a mobile device.
✕Less likely to help
Youth without access to a mobile device or without depressive symptoms may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a mobile health intervention for Ugandan adolescents living with HIV who also experience depression. The app uses cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques delivered through a user-friendly mobile platform to address mood and treatment adherence. The goal is to fit the solution to the local context and developmental needs, hoping to reduce depression and improve consistency in ART usage. The study progresses through iterative development and testing to ensure the tool is acceptable and usable by youth in SSA settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could improve mood and ART adherence for youth with HIV in Uganda, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar digital CBT strategies have shown promise in improving mental health and treatment adherence in other settings, though this specific Ugandan adolescent HIV-focused approach is emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nabunya, Proscovia — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Nabunya, Proscovia
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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.