Clinical Research Directory

Digital Peer-support-based Anti-HIV Stigma Intervention Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Ethiopia

Advances in HIV care and treatment turned a once deadly disease into a chronic condition where people living with HIV, including perinatally HIV acquired children, can now lead a healthy life and live longer with their highly effective antiretroviral therapy. Despite the advancements and successes in HIV care and treatment, HIV-related stigma remained a challenge to people living with HIV and for the provision of the available successful treatment and support. Stigma and discrimination related to HIV infection inhibit health-seeking behaviour, clinical outcomes, physical and psychosocial wellbeing and is a major obstacle for timely diagnosis. Peer support programs to people living with HIV appeared to have improved self-confidence of members and consequently reduced self-stigma and improved their coping ability against external stigma. However, these services are limited in terms of geography owing to lack of adequate financing to cover operational costs for adolescents coming from rural areas and space and facility limitation to accommodate large groups. The eHealth services have potential to provide some of the services offered in the in-person sessions of the peer support group. Despite this important potential of eHealth services, they are underutilized and are not often used to target HIV-related stigma in adolescents living with HIV. The present study will investigate whether the digital peer-support anti-HIV stigma reduces internalized and anticipated stigma among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in South Ethiopia. Further, we will explore the health-related outcomes including adolescent's psychological wellbeing, retention in care and sustained viral load suppression.

Feasibility and Efficacy of GTEP for Birth Trauma

This clinical study aims to evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) for reducing trauma symptoms (measured by the PCL-5 and City BiTS) for individuals following a traumatic birthing experience. A secondary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of GTEP in improving parental wellbeing (measured through the CORE-10) and parent-infant bonding (measured through the PBQ) following a traumatic birthing experience. Participants (those who have experienced a traumatic birthing experience) will complete the GTEP intervention, delivered online. They will be asked to complete outcome measures and give feedback on their experience of the group.

Cold Water and Decision-Making

The behavioral within-subject cross-over design study "CoVa" aims to investigate the effect of a short-term full-body cold-water immersion vs. warm-water immersion control on value-based choice, psychological well-being, and peripheral physiology.

A Pilot Study on Animal-Assisted Intervention in Correctional Settings

Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are particularly prevalent among incarcerated individuals and are considered risk factors for recidivism. Leveraging the natural human-animal bond, animal-assisted intervention (AAI) offers a less threatening alternative to engage incarcerated individuals and address their mental health needs. As an initial effort to help promote rehabilitative security in Hong Kong, the current study examines the acceptability and effectiveness of a brief animal-assisted program among offenders in local secured facilities.

Ontological Coaching Among Nurses (OCN)

This study aims to develop and evaluate ontological coaching among novice nurses in Singapore. The specific aims of this project are: (1) to develop theory based Ontological Coaching among Nurses (OCN) intervention for novice nurses; (2) examine its effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing (primary outcome), help-seeking behavior (social support), goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction (Secondary outcomes); and (3) examine the perceptions of nurses in receiving this intervention. The specific research questions we plan to answer in this project are: * How the OCN will influence psychological wellbeing of the new nurses? * How the OCN will enhance the new nurses social support and goal setting for their reality and future? * How the OCN will influence new nurses' resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction? * What are the changes in psychological well-being, social support, goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction after receiving OCN over time (pre-test and post-test)? * Are there any strengths, weaknesses and area of improvements (overall experience) for the use of OCN among new nurses?