Exploring Universal Basic Income's Impact on HIV Care for Black Men in the US South

Universal Basic Income and Structural Racism in the US South: Differences in HIV Care Utilization Between Low-income African American Men Living With HIV

Not applicable Interventional University of Arkansas · NCT06186128

This study is testing if giving Black men living with HIV in Arkansas $500 a month for six months can help them get better healthcare and stick to their medication.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages25 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT06186128 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of Universal Basic Income (UBI) on HIV care among Black men living with HIV in Arkansas, a region with significant racial health disparities. The research aims to enroll 80 participants who will receive $500 per month for six months to assess changes in healthcare utilization and medication adherence. By employing a mixed methods approach, the study seeks to understand how cash transfers can enhance access to HIV care and improve social support systems. The initiative is motivated by the need to address the economic barriers faced by this population due to structural racism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black men aged 25 and older, living with HIV, and with an annual income up to 400% of the federal poverty threshold.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or African American or those who do not have a detectable viral load may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve HIV care access and health outcomes for Black men living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While UBI has been explored in various contexts, this specific application targeting Black men with HIV is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. be at least 25 years old;
2. self-report as having received from a medical professional a diagnosis for HIV;
3. have an annual income up to 400% of the federal poverty threshold (the 2023 federal poverty threshold is defined as an annual income of less than $14,580 for single adults) in the 12-month period prior to study enrollment;
4. be able to understand and speak English and to provide written and verbal informed consent;
5. plan to remain in the central Arkansas area for the duration of the study period;
6. be willing and able to provide weekly information about all activities related to seeking employment and to share financial and income-related information with the study team;
7. self-identify as Black or African American;
8. have been assigned the male gender at birth;
9. be willing to provide medical releases to allow project staff to access healthcare records, and
10. in need of HIV care services (defined as having a detectable viral load meaning \>200 copies/mL on most recent viral load test or not having attended a HIV medical care visit in the past 6 months, excluding any visits to the emergency department or rooms or urgent care clinics)

Exclusion Criteria:

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Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

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 HIVHealth Care Utilization
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.