Suicide Assessment and Feasible Evidence-based Treatments for Youth Living with HIV in Lilongwe

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Jan 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help young people living with HIV who might be struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm. The study will compare a special program called the Friendship Bench + Safety Planning with regular care to see if it can effectively reduce these feelings and encourage better engagement with HIV treatment. The goal is to find out how well this program works and how acceptable it is for teenagers.

To be part of the study, participants need to be between 13 and 19 years old, diagnosed with HIV, and have experienced thoughts or behaviors related to suicide. They also need to live in the area where the clinic is located and plan to stay there for at least a year. Participants will be asked to share their experiences during interviews, and those who are 16 or older may need to get permission from a parent to take part. This trial is important because it aims to provide better support for vulnerable youth, helping them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 13-19
• • Diagnosed with HIV
• • Report current or historical suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIBs) on question 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire modified for adolescents (PHQ-9-A) and the Ask Suicide-Screening questionnaire (ASQ)
• • Living in the clinic's catchment area with intention to remain for more than 1 year
• • Willing to provide consent (age 18+ or 16-17 years old and married and thereby considered emancipated minors per Malawi law) or assent with parental consent (age 13-17).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Refuse to participate
• • Refuse to be audio-taped for in-depth interviews