Using people you already trust to help stay in HIV care and keep your viral load low
Harnessing social network support to improve retention in care and viral suppression among people living with HIV in Chicago and Alabama: A hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11026434
This program helps adults with HIV (ages 18–49) and a trusted supporter use their existing relationships to stay in care and lower their viral load.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11026434 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You and someone you already rely on (a friend, family member, or partner) would work with staff to map your social network and pick a support confidant to help with clinic visits and medication. The confidant gets brief training based on the Information‑Motivation‑Behavioral Skills model and the team provides one in‑person session plus short booster contacts. The study compares this approach to standard care in randomized groups at sites in Cook County (Chicago) and in Alabama. Researchers will track whether people stay in care and reach viral suppression, while also studying how the program could be put into routine clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 18–49 living with HIV in Cook County (Chicago) or participating Alabama sites who want to involve a friend or family member to support their care are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–49 age range, those without a willing support confidant, or those already consistently engaged in care with suppressed viral loads may not gain added benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more people with HIV remain engaged in care and achieve durable viral suppression by using support from someone they already trust.
How similar studies have performed: Other programs that use social or peer support have shown promise, but this trial tests a novel approach that activates people’s existing personal networks in a randomized design.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOURIS, ALIDA M — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: BOURIS, ALIDA M
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus