Understanding how peers influence stigma related to substance use in people with HIV in South Africa
Official title: Examining the Effect of Peers on Internalized Substance Use Stigma in the Context of HIV and Substance Use Care Engagement in South Africa
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10707515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how peer recovery coaches—people who have been through substance use challenges themselves—can help those living with HIV in South Africa feel more comfortable and supported in getting the care they need, especially if they've faced stigma about their substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $52,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R36DA057167-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also struggle with substance use issues and have experienced stigma related to their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of peer recovery coaches—individuals with personal experience of substance use disorder—in helping people living with HIV in South Africa overcome stigma associated with substance use. By integrating these coaches into existing healthcare teams, the study aims to improve engagement in HIV care and treatment for those who have previously disengaged. The research will quantitatively assess the effectiveness of this approach in reducing internalized stigma and enhancing retention in care. Participants will be monitored to evaluate changes in their attitudes towards substance use and their subsequent engagement in treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare engagement and outcomes for individuals living with HIV and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While peer recovery coach models have shown promise in the US, this specific approach in the context of HIV care in low- and middle-income countries is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Regenauer, Kristen Satu — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Regenauer, Kristen Satu
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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.