The SUSTAIN 2 Study - SUStained HIV Treatment for Adherence After Interruption in Care

Launched by BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · Aug 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SUSTAIN 2 Study is a clinical trial designed to find out if a new approach called the DSD model can help people living with HIV stick to their treatment plans. The study aims to answer important questions about whether this intervention can improve how well participants follow their HIV treatment, help them stay in regular care at clinics, and reduce gaps in their treatment.

To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old, living with HIV, and currently on a specific type of medication called dolutegravir. They should also have missed appointments or have a higher viral load in the past year. Participants will be involved for 24 months, either joining an adherence club where they can get medication for six months at a time and receive support from peers, or continuing with standard care at the clinic. Throughout the study, they will have regular blood tests to check their viral load and may share their experiences through interviews. This study is not yet recruiting, so interested individuals should stay tuned for updates.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (≥18 years or age)
• • Living with HIV
• • On a dolutegravir-based first-line ART regimen
• • Evidence of a care gap (\>28 days late for appointment) or having a raised viral load (\>50 copies/ml) in the preceding year, either from SUSTAIN study data or from clinic records.
• • Able to provide full informed consent.
• • Willingness to comply with study procedures, including providing regular update of contact details or locator information.
• • A purposively selected subset of 30 enrolled participants will be invited for a semi-structured, in-depth interview at (or within 2 months after) the month 24 visit (for experience and perceptions; aim 2); and 20 different participants will be invited to participate in in-depth interviews to determine acceptability and feasibility (aim 3) within the same time frame.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Clinical conditions as assessed by the ART clinicians as requiring clinic-based follow-up e.g. tuberculosis or epilepsy.
• • Sustained retention in care (no gaps of \>28days) and viral suppression in the preceding year.
• • Plans to leave Cape Town permanently within the next 24 months.