Using social networks to improve HIV care for young Black men and women
Harnessing Social Network Support to Improve Retention in Care and Viral Suppression Among People Living With HIV in Chicago and Alabama: A Hybrid Type I Effectiveness-implementation Trial
NA · University of Chicago · NCT05723653
This study is testing a new program that uses support from friends and family to help young Black men and women with HIV stay in care and manage their health better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago (other) |
| Locations | 7 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05723653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial tests Project nGage, an intervention designed to enhance retention in HIV care and promote viral suppression among young Black men and women aged 18-49. It leverages existing social networks by identifying Support Confidants who can provide essential social support. The study will take place in high-burden areas in Chicago, Illinois, and Alabama, focusing on individuals who have missed HIV care visits or are not virally suppressed. The intervention includes a single in-person session with trained facilitators to engage both the Index participant and their Support Confidant.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black/African American individuals aged 18-49 who have missed HIV care visits or are not virally suppressed.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black/African American or do not meet the age and HIV care criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve HIV care engagement and health outcomes for young Black men and women.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using social networks for health interventions, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Index Participants: * Aged 18-49 years old, inclusive * Speak English * Own a cell phone not shared with anyone else * Have missed at least one HIV care scheduled visit or have not been virally suppressed in the past 24 months. * Resides in Chicagoland, Illinois or Alabama Exclusion Criteria for Index Men: * If a participant fails to meet all inclusion criteria Inclusion Criteria for Support Confidants: * Index agrees to engage the Support Confidant * Age 18 years or older * Speaks English * Owns a cell phone not shared with others * Is not a romantic/sexual partner of the Index participant Exclusion Criteria: * Romantic/Sexual partners of Index participant * Relationship strain or abuse present in Index-Support Confidant relationship
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 6 other locations
- University of Alabama at Birmingham 1917 Clinic — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Birmingham AIDS Outreach — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
- Thrive Alabama — Huntsville, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
- Howard Brown Health — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Tulane University — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alida Bouris, PhD — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Alida Bouris, PhD
- Email: abouris@uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-4304
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.
Conditions: HIV Seropositivity, HIV care engagement, HIV viral suppression, Social support, Social networks