Suubi4PrEP Study in Uganda Improving PrEP Use Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 15 to 24 at High Risk of HIV

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a multilevel combination intervention to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP initiation and adherence among adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 living in HIV hotspot areas in Uganda. The study addresses barriers like lack of social support, stigma, financial costs, and disclosure concerns that limit PrEP use in this population. The trial aims to examine how combining HIV risk reduction, peer support, and economic empowerment affects PrEP use and related behaviors over time. The study randomly assigns 600 participants across 30 healthcare sites into three groups one receiving five HIV risk reduction sessions focusing on HIV prevention and PrEP knowledge another receiving the same sessions plus at least eight meetings with peer supporters who share their PrEP experiences and help overcome barriers and a third group receiving these interventions plus access to a matched savings account and financial literacy sessions over 20 months. The matched savings account encourages monthly savings matched one-to-one by the study, aiming to reduce financial obstacles to PrEP access. Participants will be followed and assessed at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 months. Researchers will collect data on PrEP initiation and adherence, using surveys and monitoring of savings accounts. The study also evaluates mechanisms of change, factors influencing PrEP use, and the cost-effectiveness of the interventions. This long-term follow-up includes behavioral assessments, peer support engagement, and financial tracking to understand how these combined strategies impact HIV prevention among young women in Uganda.

Suubi4PrEP: Improving PrEP Access and Adherence Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Uganda