Opelika

Researchers are investigating the CHAMPS+ intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression in people with HIV (PWH) living in the Deep South of the United States, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This region faces significant challenges in HIV testing, treatment adherence, and viral suppression due to limited healthcare access and systemic barriers. The study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, sustainability, and implementation factors of the CHAMPS+ approach, which builds on previous interventions and targets multiple levels of influence on HIV care outcomes. The CHAMPS+ intervention combines sessions with community health workers (CHW) and the use of the CleverCap pill bottle, a device that dispenses medication and tracks adherence through wireless communication with a mobile health (mHealth) app called WiseApp. The CHW provide supportive risk reduction counseling during periods of viral non-suppression to help prevent HIV transmission. The intervention is delivered via an mHealth platform and tailored to regional needs with culturally relevant materials. Participants receive these supports while managing their ART regimens. Participants will be involved in assessments measuring viral load changes at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The study includes tracking ART adherence through the CleverCap device and mHealth app, along with counseling sessions with CHWs. Researchers will collect data on viral suppression and evaluate the intervention's impact and sustainability over the study period. The total participation duration includes initial enrollment and follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months to monitor outcomes and support adherence.