Improving HIV care and medication adherence with community health workers

Managed Problem Solving for ART Adherence and HIV Care Retention Delivered by Community Health Workers: A Stepped Wedge Hybrid Type II Effectiveness Implementation Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT04560621

This study is testing if trained community health workers can help people with HIV stick to their medication and stay in care by building trust and addressing their challenges.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment780 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations10 sites (Camden, New Jersey and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04560621 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on the Managed Problem Solving (MAPS) behavioral approach to enhance medication adherence and retention in care for individuals living with HIV. Trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) will deliver MAPS+ to build trusting relationships and address barriers to care. The program aims to identify individuals who are lost to care and help them return to treatment, ultimately improving viral suppression rates. The intervention will be implemented in various clinics in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who are living with HIV and have not been retained in care or virally suppressed in the year prior to the trial.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently incarcerated during the trial will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve medication adherence and care retention for people living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community health worker interventions in improving health outcomes for individuals living with HIV, making this approach promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18 or older
* a man or woman living with HIV
* not retained in care and/or virally suppressed in year prior to trial initiation

Exclusion Criteria:

- incarcerated during the duration of the trial

Where this trial is running

Camden, New Jersey and 9 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.
Conditions HIV/AIDS
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.