Pilot Study of Change My Story Game and Problem Solving Therapy for Young People with HIV and Depression

What this Trial Is About

Young people living with HIV Y-PLWH often face psychological distress and depression, which negatively affect their medication adherence and disease control. This issue is especially challenging in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where there are few trained mental health professionals and frequent clinic visits can cause additional costs, inconvenience, and stigma. Researchers are evaluating an interactive narrative game called Change My Story combined with Problem Solving Therapy PST compared to PST alone in a pilot randomized controlled trial among 80 Y-PLWH with depression or psychological distress. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups one group will receive PST alone delivered through a stepped-care approach with therapy sessions and follow-up based on depression scores, while the other group will receive PST plus access to the Change My Story game on their phones. The game encourages weekly play and helps address key drivers of psychological distress through interactive narratives. Participants in both groups will be monitored for depression, suicidality, and treatment response, with referrals to medical or psychiatric care if needed. During the study, participants will engage in therapy sessions, complete depression screenings, and report on their engagement, satisfaction, and feasibility of the interventions over three months. Outcomes measured include remission of depression and psychological distress, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and viral suppression at 3 and 6 months. The trial aims to assess acceptability, engagement, and barriers to implementation of the game combined with PST. The total study duration is up to 6 months with ongoing evaluation of mental health and HIV care outcomes.

Change My Story Task Shifted Mental Health Intervention