Digital peer-support to reduce HIV stigma among adolescents in southern Ethiopia
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Digital Peer-support-based Anti-HIV Stigma Intervention in Improving Clinical Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Ethiopia
This project will test a digital peer-support program to reduce HIV-related stigma and improve wellbeing and retention for adolescents aged 15–22 living with HIV in southern Ethiopia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 282 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lund University Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Arba Minch, South Ethiopia and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07425925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adolescents (15–22) who know their HIV status and are on ART will be recruited from three hospitals in southern Ethiopia and enrolled if they have completed at least grade 4 and do not have diagnosed mental health or major sensory impairments. Participants will receive either a peer-support-based digital anti-HIV stigma intervention delivered through eHealth tools (text, videos, pseudonymous social interaction) or standard in-clinic in-person psychosocial support. Outcomes will include self-reported HIV-related stigma, psychological wellbeing, and retention in care measured using validated questionnaires and clinic records over follow-up. The design tests whether a scalable digital approach can extend peer support beyond the geographic limits of in-person groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 15–22 who have been disclosed their HIV status, are receiving antiretroviral therapy, have completed at least grade 4, and do not have diagnosed mental health conditions or major hearing/vision loss.
Not a fit: Those with diagnosed mental health disorders, significant hearing or vision loss, adolescents who have not been disclosed their HIV status, are outside the 15–22 age range, or lack access to the necessary digital tools may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce self-stigma, improve mental wellbeing, and help more adolescents stay in HIV care by providing accessible remote peer support.
How similar studies have performed: In-person peer-support programs have shown benefits in reducing self-stigma, while most digital eHealth work in HIV has focused on adherence rather than stigma, so digital peer-support targeting adolescent stigma remains relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents who have been disclosed of their HIV status * adolescents and young people between the age of 15 and 22 years old * receiving antiretroviral medications; and * completed at least first cycle primary school education (i.e. grade 4). Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with known diagnosed mental health condition * Participants with hearing loss or loss of vision
Where this trial is running
Arba Minch, South Ethiopia and 4 other locations
- Arba Minch General Hospital — Arba Minch, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia (Completed)
- Dilla University Teaching Hospital — Dara, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia (Recruiting)
- Sawula General Hospital — Gofa, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia (Recruiting)
- Jinka General Hospital — Jinka, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia (Recruiting)
- Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital — Sodo, South Ethiopia, Ethiopia (Completed)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melkamu Merid Mengesha, Master of Public Health in Epi
- Email: melkamu_merid.mengesha@med.lu.se
- Phone: +251912094941
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.