Providing healthcare services in hair salons

Community-based Venues for Delivery of Healthcare Services in Umlazi, South Africa: Proof of Concept Pilot Conducted in Hair Salons

NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04222504

This study is testing whether offering health services like PrEP, family planning, and STI screening in hair salons can help women in Umlazi township take better care of their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Durban)
Trial IDNCT04222504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to deliver a package of evidence-based health services, including daily PrEP, family planning, and STI screening, to women in two hair salons located in Umlazi township, Durban. Participants will choose which services to utilize, while a control salon will not offer any health services. The study will encourage follow-up visits through text reminders, WhatsApp support groups, and incentives for free salon services. The goal is to recruit 100 clients for PrEP and approximately 250 participants in the control salons to assess the effectiveness of this community-based approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older who speak English or Zulu and are willing to provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are symptomatic for acute HIV viral syndrome or are known to be pregnant at baseline will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve access to sexual health services for women in underserved communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based health service delivery models, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* 18 years or older
* English or Zulu speaking
* Able and willing to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Symptoms of acute HIV viral syndrome
* Known pregnancy at baseline

Where this trial is running

Durban

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, STI, Contraceptive Usage

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.