Using a mobile app to improve health outcomes for young people living with HIV
Official title: Randomized Control Trial of Positive Peers mHealth app as a clinic-based intervention to optimize HIV outcomes among young, minority persons living with HIV
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10934485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the Positive Peers mobile app helps young people aged 18-30 living with HIV, especially those from diverse backgrounds, by providing tools for managing their health and connecting with others, to see if it can help them better control the virus compared to those who don’t use the app.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD019185-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young individuals aged 18-30 who are living with HIV, particularly those who are newly diagnosed, out of care, or not virally suppressed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 18-30 or those who do not identify as part of racial, ethnic, or sexual/gender minority groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Positive Peers mobile app, designed specifically for young individuals aged 18-30 living with HIV, particularly those from racial, ethnic, and sexual/gender minority backgrounds. The app offers customizable self-management tools, including wellness tracking, community forums, and health information, while being supported by local peer administrators who provide guidance and encouragement. The study aims to evaluate the app's effectiveness in improving viral suppression rates through a randomized control trial, comparing users of the app with those who choose not to participate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance health outcomes and quality of life for young people living with HIV by improving their adherence to treatment and viral suppression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with mobile health interventions for chronic conditions, suggesting that this approach could be effective for improving HIV outcomes as well.
Where this research is happening
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Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Avery, Ann K — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Avery, Ann K
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.