Improving HIV medication adherence among Brazilian youth

Making Universal, Free-of-charge Antiretroviral Therapy Work for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Brazil

NA · Brown University · NCT06056037

This study is testing a new technology-based counseling program to help young people in Brazil who are living with HIV stick to their medication better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 24 Years
SexMale
SponsorBrown University (other)
Locations1 site (Rio de Janeiro)
Trial IDNCT06056037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and pilot a technology-based counseling intervention to enhance adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among sexual and gender minority young people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The intervention focuses on improving social support, self-efficacy, and problem-solving skills related to medication adherence. It is informed by focus groups and interviews with SGM youth and healthcare providers to ensure it addresses specific barriers faced by this population. Participants will receive either the experimental intervention or standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are sexual and gender minority individuals aged 18-24 who are living with HIV and currently taking ART.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as sexual or gender minorities or those who have not been prescribed ART may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve ART adherence and health outcomes for young people living with HIV in Brazil.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving ART adherence through targeted interventions for similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* between 18 and 24 years of age
* assigned male sex at birth
* identify as a gay or bisexual man, or a transgender woman or another gender identity along the feminine spectrum
* self-report living with HIV, and verified by medical chart review,
* self-report currently taking or prescribed ART for \> 3 months
* self-report missing 2 or more doses of ART medications in any given week in the past month OR not virally suppressed (i.e., \>40 copies/mL in past 3 months; via national outpatient data \[SISCEL\] or plasma viral load testing)
* owns a cell phone or willing to use one as part of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* unable to give informed consent due to cognitive limitation, severe mental/physical illness or intoxication
* unable to read and/or write to an extent that would limit their ability to comprehend the informed consent
* lived in the greater Rio de Janeiro area for \< 3 months or planning to move outside the area within the next year

Where this trial is running

Rio de Janeiro

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hiv, Adherence, Medication, Brazil, sexual and gender minority, adolescents, HIV, Medication adherence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.