Actively Recruiting
Structured Peer-delivered Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Reentry Community Strategy to Overcome Barriers to HIV Care Continuity During Community Re-entry From Incarceration in South Africa
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-06-02
400
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
A
Aurum Institute
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the Structured Peer-delivered Antiretroviral Therapy and Reentry Community Strategy (Full-SPARCS) for HIV-positive adults transitioning from correctional facilities to community settings in South Africa. The study seeks to compare Full-SPARCS to usual care in achieving HIV viral load suppression six months after release, while also assessing how well the program can be implemented and its cost-effectiveness. The focus is on improving continuity of HIV care among recently released inmates, a group facing many barriers to ongoing treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care or the Full-SPARCS intervention. The Full-SPARCS program includes one individual session before release, one individual session after release, and 12 group sessions approximately every two weeks over six months. These group sessions, led by peer facilitators, aim to build life skills, social support, and self-efficacy through a structured curriculum covering topics like goal setting, problem solving, and living with HIV. Standard care involves referral letters and usually a 28-day supply of antiretroviral therapy at release. Throughout the study, participants will be followed up with at one week, one month, three months, six months, nine months, and twelve months after release to check on their HIV care status and update contact details. Assessments include symptom screening, laboratory monitoring, and tracking viral load suppression at six and twelve months. The study plans to enroll 400 adult participants who are receiving ART while incarcerated and are expected to return to specific community districts in Gauteng Province. The total duration for participant involvement is up to twelve months post-release.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Structured Peer-delivered ART and Reentry Community Strategy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Incarcerated at one of the participating enrolment sites, including both un-sentenced and sentenced individuals
- Diagnosed with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of enrolment
- Expected release or trial date within three months of enrolment
- Plan to live in an unrestricted environment within Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, or Johannesburg districts of Gauteng Province, close to a SPARCS intervention site
- Willing to participate in follow-up activities after release and provide contact information
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 18 years old
- Severe cognitive dysfunction or mental illness preventing informed consent
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Requires high intensity care beyond what the program offers as assessed by correctional health staff
- Not released during the intervention period
- Expected release to a location outside of Gauteng Province
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 - 6 months post-release
Participants assigned to the Full-SPARCS intervention attend one individual pre-release session, one individual post-release session, and 12 biweekly peer facilitator-led group sessions over six months post-release. The sessions focus on building goal setting, prioritizing, and planning skills to support HIV care continuity during community re-entry.
1 pre-release individual session, 1 post-release individual session, and 12 group sessions approximately every two weeks
Duration - 12 months post-release
Participants are contacted at one week, one month, three months, six months, nine months, and twelve months post-release to ascertain care status and update contact information.
6 follow-up contacts after release
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Aurum Institute - Head office
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 2193
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Christopher Hoffmann
T
Tonderai Mabuto
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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