Clinical Research Directory

Evaluating the Impact of Using the B-OK Bottles for HIV and ART Literacy in South Africa

Consistent use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for achieving suppression among people with HIV (PWH). Yet despite improvements in access to ART and improving viral suppression rates, an estimated one-third of PWH globally do not take ART as prescribed, thus allowing the virus to remain detectable and transmissible. This study tests whether a low-cost visual education tool, B-OK bottles, improves understanding of HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) among adults in Gauteng, South Africa using a randomized trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) standard-of-care verbal information based on Department of Health guidelines, (2) information delivered in person using B-OK bottles, or (3) information delivered via a video demonstrating the B-OK bottles. The study will compare the two intervention formats to standard care, and to each other, to assess whether the tool improves knowledge, attitudes, and intentions related to HIV treatment and prevention, and whether the intervention results depend on delivery mode (in-person vs. video). Outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at six-week follow-up.

Enhancing HIV Prevention and Reducing Alcohol Use Among People Receiving STI Care in Lilongwe, Malawi

Purpose: To evaluate short-term efficacy and implementation of Treat4All, an alcohol reduction evidence-based intervention, for decreasing heavy drinking and optimizing HIV outcomes (viral suppression among People with HIV (PWH); Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among those at high risk of HIV) Participants: Approximately 160 participants aged 18 years or older will be enrolled into this study. Eligible participants will be recruited from two groups of individuals: Persons at risk of HIV: Individuals receiving (STI) care who report recent heavy drinking (n=80) and no recent use of PrEP. Persons with HIV: Individuals with HIV who report recent heavy drinking and either a history of unsuppressed viral load or recent suboptimal adherence to ART (n=80). Procedures (methods): Pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial (1:1; Treat4All Intervention vs Usual Care)

Implementation Trial to Evaluate a Population Health Combination Intervention to Meet HIV Testing, Linkage, and Viral Suppression Goals in Alabama

The purpose of this study is to adapt and evaluate a combination intervention that includes: (1) a data-driven approach to directed community-based HIV testing to areas with high need, (2) Project Connect to expedite linkage to care at time of diagnosis, (3) and a Rapid ART (antiretroviral therapy)Start program, all in Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) jurisdictions in Alabama.

HIV Outpatient Monitoring Evaluation Through Self-collection of Dried Blood Spots

The goal of this observational study is to establish an operational framework for home self-collections of blood samples to be used for antiviral drug concentration measurements. Participants will continue on their prescribed antiviral(s) for HIV treatment or prevention and followed for up to approximately 1 year. The investigators will compare drug concentrations of antivirals and relevant metabolites/anabolites in clinic-collected and self-collected blood samples.