Peer support program to improve health for women living with HIV

Women Focused Encounters for Resilience Independence Strength and Eudaimonia

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Diego · NCT06216600

This study tests a program that combines therapy, exercise, and support from peers to help women living with HIV stick to their medications and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06216600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention combines acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exercise, and social support to help women living with HIV improve their medication adherence and overall well-being. The program is delivered by trained peer navigators in community-based settings across four counties in the U.S. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach and the sustainability of the intervention after the research concludes. Participants will engage in group sessions that focus on addressing substance use, trauma, and HIV-related challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cisgender women who are HIV-positive, at risk for substance use, and have experienced interpersonal violence.

Not a fit: Patients who are not willing to participate in video recording sessions or are enrolled in hospice may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance medication adherence and health outcomes for women living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using peer support and integrated interventions for improving health outcomes in similar populations, suggesting this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Is a woman
2. Able to read and understand English
3. Able to participate in a low intensity exercise program
4. HIV-seropositive
5. At risk substance use (any illegal or unprescribed drug), tobacco, marijuana or alcohol use (four or more drinks in one day or 8 or more in one week).
6. Reports missing more ART doses than previous months, or \> 5 in a month, or has a detectable HIV viral load
7. Experienced interpersonal violence
8. Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwilling to participate in video record sessions (used to evaluate the quality of the intervention)
2. Enrolled in hospice
3. Not willing or not able to comply with study advisory board group participation agreement.

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

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 InfectionsSubstance UseTraumaMedication Adherence
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.