KABAWIL: Reducing Stigma for Indigenous Men and Healers in Guatemala
Official title: Kabawil: Adapting an Intervention to Reduce Intersectional Stigmas Among Indigenous Sexual Minority Men and Traditional Healers in Mesoamerica
Run by University of Washington · NCT07786441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A culturally tailored program called KABAWIL will be tried to see if it can reduce HIV-related and intersectional stigma and help Indigenous men and healers engage more with HIV prevention and care in Guatemala.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07786441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Eligible participants include Indigenous men who have sex with men and traditional Indigenous healers aged 18 or older.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants not expected to benefit may include those without stigma-related barriers to care or those not engaged in the HIV care continuum.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 intervention study adapts the FRESH stigma-reduction approach for Indigenous Guatemalan communities. It uses interviews and focus groups with Indigenous men, healers, providers, stigma experts, and Maya knowledge keepers to tailor the program. The team will test feasibility, acceptability, and implementation potential while evaluating impacts on engagement along the HIV continuum of care. The study emphasizes a status-neutral framework and culturally grounded practices. Lead and collaborate with partners in Guatemala and the U.S. to adapt and assess the intervention’s early signals of effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, KABAWIL could reduce stigma and improve willingness to test for HIV, access care, and stay engaged in treatment for Indigenous communities in Guatemala.
How similar studies have gone: Prior stigma-reduction approaches like FRESH have shown promise in reducing HIV-related stigma in other settings, but KABAWIL adapts it for a distinct Indigenous Guatemalan context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 year of age and older * Self identifies as a man who has had sex with other men * Self identifies as traditional healer Exclusion Criteria: * Requires working knowledge of Spanish * Minor (under age 18)
Where it's running
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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roberto Orellana, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: E. Roberto Orellana, PhD
- Email: popolvuh@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-685-4771
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.