Using social media to help young people with HIV stay in care in Uganda
Official title: A social media mHealth intervention to improve retention in care for adolescents and young adults with HIV in Uganda
Funded at Mbarara University/science/ Technology · NIH-10892294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help young people with HIV in Uganda stay on track with their care by using social media and mobile health tools to understand their specific challenges and create support that fits their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mbarara University/science/ Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mbarara, Uganda) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,478 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW012640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 24 who are living with HIV in Uganda.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or young adults, or those who are not living with HIV, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the retention of adolescents and young adults with HIV in Uganda by utilizing social media-based mobile health interventions. The approach focuses on understanding the unique challenges faced by this age group, including their neurodevelopmental stage and the circumstances of their HIV infection. By employing qualitative and mixed methods research, the study will gather insights into adolescent behavior and develop tailored interventions to enhance care adherence. The principal investigator, Dr. Julian Adong, will also receive training in behavioral science and statistical methods to ensure the effectiveness of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for young people living with HIV by increasing their retention in care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with social media interventions in healthcare, suggesting potential for this approach in improving retention in HIV care.
Where this research is happening
-
Mbarara University/science/ Technology
Mbarara, Uganda Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adong, Julian — Mbarara University/science/ Technology
- Study coordinator: Adong, Julian
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.