Family Connections Cluster RCT in Zambia

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · May 2, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called Family Connections, is looking at how a family-based program can help young people aged 15 to 21 who are living with HIV and their caregivers. The goal is to see if this program can help these young people manage their HIV better by achieving an undetectable viral load, which means the amount of HIV in their blood is so low that it can't be measured. The program aims to provide more support from family and friends while reducing feelings of self-stigma, which is when someone feels ashamed or embarrassed about their condition. By improving these factors, the hope is that participants will stick to their medication better and feel better overall.

To be eligible for this trial, young participants must be HIV positive, aware of their status, and have been on their HIV treatment (called ART) for at least six months. They also need to live close to the clinic and be able to attend 10 group sessions over six months. Caregivers who want to participate should be at least 22 years old and must care for a young person in the study. They also need to meet similar location and session attendance requirements. Participants can expect to take part in supportive group sessions that will help them connect with others and learn more about managing their health. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to provide valuable insights into better ways to support young people living with HIV in Africa.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Eligibility criteria for AYA include:
• • being between 15 and 21 years,
• • HIV positive and aware of their HIV status,
• • on ART for at least 6 months,
• • on first-line ART,
• • living within 30-minutes, by personal transportation, of the clinic by self-report,
• • being available to attend 10 sessions over 6 months,
• • being available for the next 14 months,
• • and speaks one of the study languages, English or Bemba
• Eligibility criteria for the caregiver is:
• • being 22 years of age or older,
• • does not work at the study clinic,
• • living within 30-minutes, by personal transportation, of the clinic by self-report,
• • caring for an AYA who meets the study eligibility criteria,
• • being available to attend 10 sessions over 6 months,
• • being available over the next 14 months,
• • and speaks one of the study languages English or Bemba.
• • Being a biological parent or family member is not an eligibility criterion.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The only exclusion criteria are not fulfilling the inclusion criteria.
• • -