Using social media to help young people with HIV stay in care in Uganda
Retention Through mHealth for Adolescents and Young Adults With HIV in Care
This study is testing whether using social media can help young people with HIV in Uganda stay connected to their healthcare and manage their health better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 105 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mbarara University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mbarara) |
| Trial ID | NCT06545968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 living with HIV in Uganda, aiming to improve their retention in care through a mobile health (mHealth) approach utilizing social media. The study recognizes that this demographic faces unique challenges in managing their health, often leading to poor outcomes and increased mortality. By developing a youth-friendly intervention that addresses their specific needs and preferences, the study seeks to enhance engagement and adherence to care. The investigator will also receive training in qualitative research, behavioral science, and statistical methods to support the intervention's development and evaluation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 who are either new to HIV care or re-engaging after being lost to follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide consent or do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve health outcomes and reduce mortality rates among adolescents and young adults with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While social media interventions in healthcare are gaining traction, this specific approach targeting AYWH in Uganda is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The eligibility criteria is as follows: For adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYWH) 1. AYWH who are aged 15-24 2. AYWH who are new to care (less than or equal to one month in care), or who are re-engaging in care after being lost to follow up for greater or equal to six months. 3. Fluent in English or Runyankole (the local language) 4. For aim 3, AYWH who have access (own or shared) to a smartphone Exclusion criteria for AYWH 1) Inability to provide consent For counsellors Inclusion criteria 1. Clinic counsellors who are ≥18 years 2. Clinic counsellors who have worked at the HIV clinic for ≥ 1 year Exclusion criteria 1\) Inability to provide consent
Where this trial is running
Mbarara
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology — Mbarara, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julian Adong, MMed — Mbarara University of Science and Technology
- Study coordinator: Julian Adong, MMed
- Email: jadong@must.ac.ug
- Phone: +256 755553595
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.