Economic empowerment interventions for adolescents living with HIV
Suubi+Adherence4Youth: Optimizing the Suubi Intervention for Adherence to HIV Treatment for Youth Living with HIV in Uganda
This study is trying out different programs to see which ones help teenagers living with HIV in Uganda stick to their treatment and keep their viral load low.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 576 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Masaka) |
| Trial ID | NCT05600621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests four different economic empowerment interventions to determine which combination most effectively enhances viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. The interventions include financial literacy training, incentivized savings accounts, a manualized adherence and stigma reduction program, and engagement with HIV treatment-experienced role models. The study employs a factorial design, randomizing 48 health clinics to provide one of 16 unique combinations of these interventions. The goal is to address social and structural inequities that hinder ART adherence and viral load suppression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 11-17 living with HIV, who are aware of their status and enrolled in ART care.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who cannot understand the study procedures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve viral suppression rates among adolescents living with HIV, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies combining economic empowerment and psychosocial interventions have shown effectiveness in improving ART adherence and viral suppression in similar populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adolescent: * living with HIV (confirmed by medical report and aware of status) * living within a family * being 11-17 years of age (at enrollment) * prescribed ART * enrolled in ART care at one of the 48 health clinics in the study districts. Health clinics would be eligible if they: * have existing procedures tailored to adolescent adherence (including adolescent-specific clinic days and peer counselling) * Accredited by the Uganda Ministry of Health as a provider of ART within the study districts. Exclusion Criteria: * Includes an inability to understand study procedures and participant rights as assessed during informed consent/assent process with the adolescent or parent. * If the adolescent or adult caregiver presents with emergency needs (e.g., hospitalization), needed care will be secured, rather than study participation
Where this trial is running
Masaka
- International Center for Child Health and Development — Masaka, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fred M Ssewamala, PhD
- Email: fms1@wustl.edu
- Phone: 3149358521
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.