HIV prevention and treatment program for young couples in Cape Town

Multilevel Strategies & Tailored HIV Prevention and Care for Young Couples Who Use Alcohol and Other Drugs Across Cape Town: Couples Health CoOp Plus

Not applicable Interventional RTI International · NCT05310773

This study is testing a new HIV prevention and treatment program for young couples in Cape Town to see if it helps them stay healthy and reduce the risk of HIV.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment7944 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRTI International Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cape Town, Western Cape)
Trial IDNCT05310773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program focuses on HIV prevention and treatment for young couples in Cape Town, South Africa, using a comprehensive biobehavioral multilevel approach called Couples Health CoOp Plus (CHC+). The study employs a cluster randomized trial design involving 24 communities, where couples will participate in stigma awareness workshops or receive standard care. A total of 480 couples aged 18 to 30 will be recruited to receive HIV testing services and interventions aimed at reducing HIV incidence and improving health behaviors. The program is grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and aims to empower couples to address issues related to alcohol and drug use, gender norms, and sexual health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are young couples aged 18 to 30 who have had recent condomless sex and have a history of alcohol or drug use.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant or being treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce new HIV infections among young couples in Cape Town.

How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions similar to the Couples Health CoOp have shown success in improving health outcomes, making this approach promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Selected Inclusion Criteria (for Couples):

* 18 to 30 years old
* Is in a relationship with a primary partner
* Had recent condomless sex with their primary partner
* Has not taken PrEP or ART in the past 90 days
* Has drunk alcohol and/or used drugs at least once a week over the past 90 days

Selected Exclusion Criteria (for Couples):

* Not currently pregnant (for women)
* Not currently being treated for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB)

Selected Inclusion Criteria (for Community Members):

• At least 18 years old

Where this trial is running

Cape Town, Western Cape

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 HIVSubstance UseStigma, SocialPre-exposure prophylaxisAntiretroviral therapyAlcohol and other drugsHuman Immunodeficiency VirusCouples
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.