Syndemic-Adapted Medly Uganda for adults with HIV and hypertension
Official title: An mHealth Implementation Strategy to Address the Syndemic of Mental Illness, Hypertension, and HIV in Uganda, Clinical Trial: Syndemic Adapted Medly Uganda (SAMU)
Run by Yale University · NCT07525271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether the Syndemic-Adapted Medly Uganda (SAMU) program helps improve mental health screening and care for adults living with HIV and high blood pressure in Uganda.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Kampala and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07525271 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults at participating HIV clinics in Uganda who own a mobile phone and can read in English or Luganda, with no intention to relocate in the next 2 years.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who cannot access a mobile phone or provide informed consent may not benefit from the program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This two-arm trial evaluates the SAMU program, designed to screen for depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder and support linkage to care among adults in Uganda. It builds on adaptations of Medly Uganda within a syndemic framework to address co-occurring mental health and chronic conditions. Staff training and clinic health education materials are provided to support mental health screening, diagnosis, and engagement in care. Mixed-methods analyses will explore factors influencing sustained participation and program effectiveness in real-world clinic settings at multiple sites in Kampala.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SAMU could improve mental health screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care for people living with HIV and hypertension in Uganda.
How similar studies have gone: Prior adaptations of Medly Uganda for mental health have informed SAMU; outcomes in similar settings suggest potential benefits, though this specific syndemic approach is being tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient at a participating HIV clinic site * Currently living in Uganda with no intention of moving abroad in next 2 years * Access to a mobile phone * Basic reading skills in one or more of the offered languages (English, Luganda) as determined by the Research Assistant. Exclusion Criteria: * No access to a mobile phone * Inability to provide informed consent based on assessment by the onsite Research Assistant or HCW Healthcare Workers/Caregivers Criteria: * Age \>=18 years * Healthcare worker at participating site or caregiver for study participant at site * Basic reading skills in one or more of the offered languages (English, Luganda) as determined by the Research Assistant
Where it's running
-
Kawaala Hospital
Kampala, Uganda Recruiting -
Naguru Hospital
Kampala, Uganda Recruiting -
Nsambya Hospital
Kampala, Uganda Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeremy Schwartz, MD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Jeremy Schwartz, MD
- Email: jeremy.schwartz@yale.edu
- Phone: 203-530-7261
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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.