Actively Recruiting
Retention Through mHealth for Adolescents and Young Adults With HIV in Care
Led by Mbarara University of Science and Technology · Updated on 2025-05-18
105
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Lead Sponsor
F
Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYWH) aged 15 to 24 years are the fastest-growing group living with HIV worldwide and face worse outcomes than adults, with HIV/AIDS being a leading cause of death and disability in this group. This research aims to develop and test a youth-friendly mobile health (mHealth) social media intervention to improve retention in HIV care, which may reduce AIDS-related deaths and new HIV transmissions. The study also supports the investigator's training in research and clinical trial skills focused on AYWH in low-resource settings. The study will use a social media-based intervention delivered through WhatsApp modules designed to encourage behaviors that improve retention in care for AYWH. Participants will be randomly assigned either to start receiving the intervention immediately or to a wait-list control group, which will begin the intervention after six months. The intervention targets new or re-engaging AYWH in HIV care and considers different infection routes to tailor support. Participants will take part for at least 12 months during which researchers will assess how feasible and acceptable the intervention is and measure retention in care. Data will be gathered from AYWH who are new or returning to care, including their HIV knowledge, experiences, and challenges. The study includes language fluency assessments and smartphone access for some parts. Safety and consent abilities are monitored, and the study is conducted without blinding, allowing direct observation of participation and outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Social Media Intervention to Improve Retention in Care for Adolescents and Young Adults With HIV in Uganda
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 15 to 24 years
- Diagnosed with HIV and new to care (less than or equal to one month) or re-engaging in care after being lost for six months or more
- Fluent in English or Runyankole
- For some parts, must have access to a smartphone (own or shared)
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to provide consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants receive a WhatsApp-based social media intervention designed to improve retention in HIV care behavior, or are assigned to a wait list control group with delayed access.
Regular contact through social media and periodic study assessments
Duration - Up to 12 months total participation
Participants continue to be monitored for retention in care and viral suppression outcomes after intervention or wait list period.
Periodic follow-up visits or contacts as scheduled by the study team
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Mbarara, Uganda
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Julian Adong, MMed
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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