Khanya Ekhaya: A Home-Based Intervention

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · May 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Khanya Ekhaya trial is studying a new way to support people living with HIV, especially focusing on their mental health. Many individuals with HIV also experience issues like depression, anxiety, and harmful drinking, which can make it hard for them to keep up with their treatment. This trial aims to see if community health workers (CHWs)—people who provide care and support in the community—can help by offering mental health support right at home. This approach is important because it goes beyond just seeing patients in a clinic, addressing mental health needs that are often overlooked.

To participate in the trial, patients must be at least 18 years old, have recently started or restarted their HIV treatment, and show signs of depression or harmful alcohol use. Community health workers involved in the study need to be at least 18 years old and must conduct home visits for patients with HIV. Participants can expect to receive support aimed at improving their mental health and helping them stay engaged in their HIV care. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it represents an exciting step toward integrating mental health support into the care of people living with chronic conditions like HIV.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• CHWs:
• • at least 18 years old
• • must conduct home visits for people with HIV newly initiating or re-initiating ART at the approved clinic site
• PATIENTS:
• • at least 18 years old
• • seen by a CHW after newly initiating or re-initiating ART in the past three months
• • screen positive for depressive symptoms or harmful alcohol use
• Exclusion Criteria:
• CHWs:
• • -Unable or unwilling to complete informed consent and study procedures in English, isiXhosa, or Afrikaans
• PATIENTS:
• • -Unable or unwilling to complete informed consent and study procedures in English, isiXhosa, or Afrikaans