Improving HIV care and treatment through peer education for drug users in Ukraine
A Social Network Approach for Improving Medication Assisted Treatment and HIV
NA · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT05824702
This study is testing a program where people on medication for drug use help others in their community learn about HIV care and treatment to see if it improves health outcomes for those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Kiev, Kyiv) |
| Trial ID | NCT05824702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to pilot a peer education program for individuals on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to enhance HIV prevention and medical care among people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Participants on MAT will be trained as peer educators to reach out to their social network members, some of whom are living with HIV. The intervention will assess barriers to MAT and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence, while promoting these treatments within their networks. The project seeks to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this approach and its potential impact on health outcomes for people living with HIV who inject drugs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals on methadone for at least one year who are low risk for relapse and have drug network members living with HIV.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently psychotic, suicidal, or cognitively impaired will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve access to and adherence to HIV treatment and prevention strategies among drug users.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with peer education approaches in similar contexts, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * On methadone for at least 1 year and rated by the staff as low risk for relapse * Report at least 1 drug network member living with HIV, not on methadone, and seen weekly * Willing to talk with drug users in their network about medication for drug dependence and accompany them to methadone clinic Exclusion Criteria: • Persons that are currently psychotic, suicidal, or cognitively impaired such that they cannot provide informed consent will be excluded from participation.
Where this trial is running
Kiev, Kyiv
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy — Kiev, Kyiv, Ukraine (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carl A Latkin, Ph.D. — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Carl A Latkin, Ph.D.
- Email: carl.latkin@jhu.edu
- Phone: 14109295461
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: HIV, Drug Treatment