Mobile health intervention for depression in Ugandan youth with HIV

Suubi-Mhealth: A Mobile Health Intervention to Address Depression and Improve ART Adherence Among Youth Living With HIV (YLHIV) in Uganda

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05965245

This study is testing a mobile app that uses therapy techniques to help Ugandan teens with HIV and depression feel better and stick to their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment278 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Saint Louis, Missouri and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05965245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop an mHealth intervention called Suubi-Mhealth for Ugandan youth aged 14-17 who are living with both HIV and depression. The intervention will be delivered through a mobile application and will incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to improve mental health and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). By addressing the unique cultural and developmental needs of these adolescents, the study seeks to enhance access to mental health care and support ART adherence among this vulnerable population. The intervention is designed to be contextually relevant and accessible, given the significant mental health treatment gap in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-positive Ugandan youth aged 14-17 who are aware of their status and are prescribed antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairments that hinder their understanding of the study or those unable to commit to completing the study may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes and ART adherence for youth living with HIV in Uganda.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions for mental health and chronic illness management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 14-17 years
* HIV positive and aware of their status i.e., disclosed to
* Prescribed antiretroviral therapy
* Living within a family, including with extended family members (not in institutions)
* Health care providers who work with youth at participating clinics who agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A significant cognitive impairment that interferes with the participant's understanding of the informed consent process, or inability/unwillingness to commit to completing the study

Where this trial is running

Saint Louis, Missouri and 1 other locations

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 DepressionHIV Infection
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.