Helping MSM with HIV and substance use disorders overcome stigma and shame

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on men who have sex with men (MSM) and gender minority individuals living with HIV and substance use disorders (SUDs). It aims to improve viral suppression by addressing internalized stigma and shame through a 5-session text-enhanced psychobehavioral intervention called MATTER. The study will assess the efficacy and implementation of this intervention in two different locations, Boston and Miami, to understand the facilitators and barriers to engaging in HIV care. Participants will receive support in developing self-care goals and increasing their self-efficacy to manage their health better.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* HIV+
* Meet criteria for an illicit (not solely including tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) SUD
* Endorse internalized stigma related to HIV, substance use, sexual orientation, or gender-identity
* Either the participant reports a detectable viral load during past year OR if on oral ART, they report \<80% adherence in the past month OR if on oral ART, they report missing \>=7 days of ART in any month in the past year OR for those on long acting injectable (LAI) ART, they report a period of \>=14 days in the past year between LAI ART injections OR has a detectable HIV viral load (\>20 copies/ mL) in the past year confirmed by medical records or viral load test from blood drawn obtained as part of the baseline visit
* Provide informed consent in English
* Verbally communicate and read in English or Spanish
* Be ≥18 years old
* Provide evidence or documentation of HIV+ status
* Release HIV-related health records
* Have access to a cell phone with text capacity (study will supplement phones and plans as needed consistent with our pilot work).

Exclusion Criteria:

\- HIV-

Where it's running

• Florida International University
  Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting
• Fenway Health
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Abigail Batchelder, PhD, MPH — CABU School of Medicine, Psychiatry
• Study coordinator: Abigail Batchelder, PhD, MPH
• Email: abatchel@bu.edu
• Phone: 6173587640

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.