Using a smartphone game to help prevent HIV in young Africans
Efficacy trial for a smartphone game to prevent HIV among young Africans
This study is testing a fun smartphone game called Tumaini that helps young people in sub-Saharan Africa learn about sexual health, delay having sex for the first time, and encourage safe practices like using condoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10670357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research evaluates a smartphone game designed to help prevent HIV among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The game, called Tumaini, aims to delay sexual debut and promote condom use through interactive storytelling and decision-making. Players navigate through scenarios involving six characters, learning about sexual health, building skills to avoid risks, and challenging harmful social norms. The approach is based on socio-behavioral theories and previous feasibility studies that showed promise in improving sexual health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not residing in sub-Saharan Africa may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce HIV incidence among young people in sub-Saharan Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with similar game-based interventions in improving sexual health outcomes among youth.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winskell, S Kate — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Winskell, S Kate
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.