Reducing HIV stigma and improving PrEP use among young transgender women in Thailand
Optimizing Mobile Interventions to Overcome Stigma and Promote HIV Prevention
This study is testing a new program using mobile technology to help young transgender women in Thailand feel more supported and reduce stigma around HIV while encouraging them to use PrEP to stay HIV-negative.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 154 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bangkok and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06576648 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop a multi-component, technology-delivered intervention that targets HIV and intersectional stigma while enhancing the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative young transgender women aged 18-29 in Thailand. The intervention includes Mobile Healthy Choices (mHC), Finding Respect and Ending Stigma around HIV (FRESH), and standard PrEP counseling. By utilizing mobile health technology, the study seeks to create a supportive environment that encourages PrEP adherence and reduces stigma associated with HIV.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-negative transgender women aged 18-29 who have a recent history of condomless sex and are either not on PrEP or are non-adherent.
Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-positive, have serious cognitive or psychiatric issues, or are currently enrolled in another HIV intervention study may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly increase PrEP uptake and adherence among young transgender women, thereby reducing their risk of HIV infection.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using technology-based interventions to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Aim 1 (Formative Research and Beta-Testing) Transgender women Inclusion Criteria: * Ages between 18 and 29 years * Male sex at birth * Self-identifies as women, transgender women or culturally identifies with the female spectrum * Laboratory-confirmed HIV-negative status * Self-reported recent history of condomless sex * Able to understand, read and speak Thai * Either not started PrEP or currently on PrEP but not adherent (taking ≤3 pills/week) in the past month. Exclusion Criteria: * Have a serious cognitive or psychiatric problem compromising ability to provide informed consent * Have active suicidal ideation or major mental illness at the time of interview (these patients will be referred for treatment) * Laboratory or clinical findings that would preclude PrEP initiation (e.g., decreased creatinine clearance) * Currently enrolled in another HIV intervention study. Healthcare providers Inclusion criteria * Age 18 or above * Has provided HIV prevention or treatment services for TGW for at least one year Exclusion criteria * None Aim 2 (Pilot RCT) Transgender women Inclusion criteria * Ages between 18 and 29 years * Male sex at birth * Self-identifies as women, transgender women or culturally identifies with the female spectrum * Laboratory-confirmed HIV-negative status * Self-reported recent history of condomless sex * Able to understand, read and speak Thai * Either not started PrEP or currently on PrEP but not adherent (taking ≤3 pills/week) in the past month. Exclusion criteria * Have a serious cognitive or psychiatric problem compromising ability to provide informed consent * Have active suicidal ideation or major mental illness at the time of interview (these patients will be referred for treatment) * Laboratory or clinical findings that would preclude PrEP initiation (e.g., decreased creatinine clearance) * Currently enrolled in another HIV intervention study.
Where this trial is running
Bangkok and 2 other locations
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation — Bangkok, Thailand (Recruiting)
- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand — Bangkok, Thailand (Recruiting)
- SWING Foundation — Bangkok, Thailand (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bo Wang, PhD — University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Study coordinator: Deogwoon Kim, PhD
- Email: Deogwoon.Kim13@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 586-703-4899
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.