Using social networks to improve HIV care for young Black men and women
Official title: 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
Run by University of Chicago · NCT05723653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 6 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 13, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05723653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Black/African American individuals aged 18-49 who have missed HIV care visits or are not virally suppressed.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using social networks for health interventions, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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 -
University of Alabama at Birmingham 1917 Clinic
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Not yet recruiting -
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Not yet recruiting
Show 1 more location
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Immuno-virological Evaluation of People Living with HIV
This study will test immune and viral factors in two groups of people with HIV who have been on stable ART for different lengths of time.
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.