Exploring harm reduction in HIV care for drug users

Impact of Harm Reduction Care in HIV Clinical Settings on Stigma and Health Outcomes

University of Pittsburgh · NCT05404750

This study is trying to see if using harm reduction strategies can improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for people living with HIV who also use drugs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment768 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations3 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05404750 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how harm reduction strategies can improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH) who also use drugs. It aims to understand the relationship between healthcare providers' attitudes towards these patients and their acceptance of harm reduction practices. The study will involve surveys and interviews with healthcare providers across three sites in Birmingham, AL, and Pittsburgh, PA, to gather insights on stigma and care delivery. Additionally, it will explore how patients perceive harm reduction approaches and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults living with HIV who have a history of illicit substance use and are receiving care from the participating study sites.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or who do not use drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved healthcare experiences and clinical outcomes for PLWH who use drugs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using harm reduction approaches to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Providers' Inclusion Criteria

   * Working at one of our 3 study sites (UPMC HIV/AIDS Program, Positive Health Clinic, or 1917 Clinic) or one of their partner sites offering substance use treatment (Internal Medicine Recovery Engagement Program, Center for Inclusion Health, or UAB's Outpatient-Based Opioid Treatment Clinic) for at least one year
   * Providing service or care to PLWH or people who use drugs at high risk for HIV acquisition
   * Working in one of the following positions: front desk/patient engagement, social worker, nurse, medical assistant, advanced practice provider, or physician
   * Able to verbally consent, read, and speak English
2. Patient Inclusion Criteria

   * Living with HIV
   * Age 18 or older
   * Able to verbally consent, read, and speak English
   * Receiving HIV medical care from one of the study sites for at least one year
   * Lifetime or recent use (past 3 months) of illicit substances (excluding marijuana) or prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in accordance with the NIDA-Modified ASSIST 2.0.

Exclusion Criteria:

\-

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 2 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Substance Use, Stigma, Social, Harm Reduction, Patient-Provider Relationship

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.