Reducing Stigma in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) With HIV Using a Rapid Start Antiretroviral Therapy Intervention (ART)

Launched by YALE UNIVERSITY · Aug 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving the experience of people who inject drugs and are living with HIV by exploring a quicker way to start treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The goal is to find out how soon healthcare providers can begin this treatment after a person is diagnosed with HIV, which may help reduce stigma and improve health outcomes. To do this, researchers will talk to both experts and individuals who inject drugs to understand their experiences and gather insights.

Participants in this study will include adults who inject drugs and are seeking ART, either in the general population or in a prison setting. To be eligible, participants need to be willing to receive treatment and provide informed consent. Healthcare providers who prescribe ART will also be involved, as they will need to agree to use the new approach being tested. The trial will be conducted in selected HIV clinics and prisons, and while participants will receive the necessary medications, the focus is on how quickly they can start treatment after diagnosis. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by both HIV and drug use.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• PWID in general population:
• • Be a PWID from the general population enrolling into ART services at one of the study's HIV clinics. PWID can include patients injecting opioids, amphetamines, or other combinations of injectable drugs. Some of these patients may be diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
• • Provide informed consent.
• • HIV clinicians prescribing ART
• • 1. Be the HIV clinician who prescribes ART for a PWID in one of the selected clinics.
• • 2. Be willing to use the RS-ART protocol.
• • 3. Be at least 18 years old. No minors below age 18 will be enrolled in the study.
• • 4. Provide informed consent.
• PWID in prison population:
• • Be a PWID enrolling into ART services at Kajang prison. PWID can include patients injecting opioids, amphetamines, or other combinations of injectable drugs. Some of these patients may be diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
• • Provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -