Counseling program for Black women living with HIV

A Randomized Control Trial of Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD)

Not applicable Interventional University of Miami · NCT06463886

This study tests a counseling program for Black women living with HIV to see if it helps them stick to their medication and cope with trauma better than standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations1 site (Miami, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06463886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on Black women living with HIV to evaluate the effectiveness of a counseling program designed to enhance medication adherence and address trauma-related issues. Participants will receive either the STEP-AD intervention or enhanced treatment as usual (E-TAU). The study aims to empower these women by providing tailored support that acknowledges their unique experiences and challenges. The approach combines mental health support with medical adherence strategies to improve overall health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black women aged 18 or older, living with HIV, who have a history of trauma and are currently taking antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with significantly interfering mental health symptoms or those unable to understand the informed consent process may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve medication adherence and mental health outcomes for Black women living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using counseling and support programs to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Black
2. Living with HIV
3. Cis-gender female
4. Age 18 or older
5. English speaking
6. Viral load non-suppression (\>200 ml) within the past year or a lack of HIV viral load measure for 6 consecutive months or more during the past 12 months
7. History of trauma/abuse
8. Capable of completing and fully understanding the informed consent process and study procedures

Exclusion criteria:

1. Unable to completely and fully understand the informed consent process and the study procedures
2. Significantly interfering mental health symptoms (e.g., active psychosis that is untreated)

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HivMental Health IssueHIVBlack womenTraumaIntersectionalDiscriminationStigma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.