Mobile interventions to reduce HIV stigma and improve PrEP use for transgender women in Bangkok
Official title: Evaluation of mHealth Intervention to Promote HIV Prevention and Overcome Stigma Among Transgender Women (EMPOW.HER)
Run by Institute of HIV Research and Innovation Foundation, Thailand · NCT07509827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute of HIV Research and Innovation Foundation, Thailand Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bangkok, Bangkapi and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07509827 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.