Improving HIV treatment engagement for young sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria

Adapting and Testing a Combination Peer Navigation and mHealth Intervention to Enhance Treatment Engagement and Viral Suppression Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Nigeria

Not applicable Interventional Northwestern University · NCT06190613

This study is testing a new way to help young men who have sex with men and young transgender women in Nigeria stay engaged in their HIV treatment and lower their viral load by using peer support and mobile health tools.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 29 Years
SexMale
SponsorNorthwestern University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ibadan)
Trial IDNCT06190613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests a combination of peer navigation and mobile health (mHealth) strategies to enhance HIV treatment engagement and viral suppression among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTW) aged 15-29 in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants will be randomized to receive either the intervention or standard care over a 24-week period. The study aims to assess the initial efficacy of the intervention, as well as its feasibility, satisfaction, and acceptability among the target population. The primary outcome will focus on achieving viral load suppression, while secondary outcomes will include adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-positive young men who have sex with men or young transgender women aged 15-29 who are already receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-positive or those who do not identify as YMSM or YTW may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve HIV treatment outcomes and quality of life for young sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar peer navigation and mHealth approaches in improving HIV treatment engagement, indicating potential for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* HIV seropositive
* registered as a patient at one of the collaborating key population (KP)-focused community centers
* male sex at birth
* identify as YMSM or YTW (or report a history of sex with men)
* on ART for at least 3 months
* understand and read basic English, Yoruba, or Pidgin English
* intention to remain a patient at a collaborating clinic during the 24-week follow-up period
* has a cellphone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to obtain parental permission if 15 years of age and not emancipated

Where this trial is running

Ibadan

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
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.