Support for adolescents living with HIV in South Africa

Interactive Transition Support for Adolescents Living With HIV Comparing Virtual and In-person Delivery Through a Stepped-wedge Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial in South Africa

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT06035445

This study tests if in-person and mobile health support can help teenagers with HIV in South Africa better transition to adult healthcare services and stay healthy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 19 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Congella)
Trial IDNCT06035445 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of in-person and mobile health interventions designed to assist adolescents living with HIV in transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare services. It focuses on adolescents aged 15 to 19 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who have low readiness for this transition. The study compares these interventions against standard care to determine their impact on retention in care and viral suppression. Given the high number of adolescents living with HIV in South Africa, this research aims to address a critical gap in healthcare support during a vulnerable transition period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who are living with perinatally-acquired HIV and have been on antiretroviral therapy for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to read or speak English or Zulu, or those with severe mental or physical illnesses that prevent informed consent, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve retention in care and health outcomes for adolescents living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar transition interventions for adolescents living with HIV, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Adolescent Participants:

* Aged 15 to 19 years at enrollment
* Living with perinatally-acquired HIV
* Receiving ART for at least 6 months
* Aware of their HIV status
* Scoring low to intermediate on transition readiness assessment (intervention cohort only)

Inclusion Criteria for Healthcare Providers:

* Profession as a healthcare provider
* Working at one of the designated clinics
* Involvement with adolescents before, during or after transition to adult care

Exclusion Criteria for all participants:

* Inability to read and/or speak English or Zulu
* Severe mental or physical illness preventing participation in informed consent activities
* Anticipated move out of clinic area in the next 12 months

Where this trial is running

Congella

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 Human Immunodeficiency VirusHIVtransition of careadolescent
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.