Mobile interventions to reduce HIV stigma and improve PrEP use for transgender women in Bangkok
Evaluation of mHealth Intervention to Promote HIV Prevention and Overcome Stigma Among Transgender Women (EMPOW.HER)
This project will test two mobile app-based programs to reduce HIV-related stigma and help HIV-negative transgender women aged 18–29 in Bangkok start and stick with PrEP.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Institute of HIV Research and Innovation Foundation, Thailand Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bangkok, Bangkapi and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07509827 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project uses a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to adapt and refine two mobile interventions called Mobile Healthy Choices (mHC) and FRESH, which aim to reduce intersectional stigma and increase empowerment. The team will conduct formative research, tailor the content for Thai transgender women, and run beta testing to refine the tools. A pilot factorial randomized trial will then compare combinations of mHC, FRESH, and standard prevention counseling among HIV-negative transgender women aged 18–29 in Bangkok. Participants will be followed for six months to measure PrEP uptake, adherence, and changes in stigma and empowerment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are HIV-negative transgender women (male sex at birth, self-identifying on the female spectrum) aged 18–29 in Bangkok who have recent condomless sex and are not currently taking PrEP or have poor PrEP adherence, and who can read and speak Thai.
Not a fit: People unlikely to benefit include those who are HIV-positive, already consistently adherent to PrEP, have medical contraindications to PrEP, cannot consent due to serious psychiatric conditions, or live outside the Bangkok area and cannot attend visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could increase PrEP uptake and adherence and reduce stigma, lowering HIV risk for young transgender women.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior mHealth programs have improved PrEP knowledge and adherence in key populations, but interventions specifically targeting intersectional stigma among transgender women are limited, so this approach is partly novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-29 years * Male sex at birth * Self-identify as transgender woman/female spectrum * HIV-negative (laboratory confirmed) * Recent condomless sex * Able to understand Thai * Not on PrEP or poorly adherent (≤3 pills/week) Exclusion Criteria: * Serious cognitive or psychiatric condition affecting consent * Active suicidal ideation or major mental illness * Medical contraindications to PrEP * Enrolled in another HIV intervention study
Where this trial is running
Bangkok, Bangkapi and 2 other locations
- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) — Bangkok, Bangkapi, Thailand (Recruiting)
- The Service Workers In Group Foundation (SWING) — Bangkok, Building 3, Patpong, Surawong Road, Thailand (Recruiting)
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI) — Bangkok, Pathumwan, Thailand (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nittaya Phanuphak, MD,PhD. — Institute of HIV Research and Innovation Foundation
- Study coordinator: Nittaya Phanuphak, MD,PhD.
- Email: nittaya.p@ihri.org
- Phone: 6681 825 3544
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.