Intervention to Improve HIV Care Retention by Addressing Stigma Stigmatized Environments

Intervention to Improve HIV Care Retention and Antiretroviral Adherence in Stigmatized Environments

Retention in care and persistent adherence to antiretroviral therapy are necessary for the successful treatment of HIV infection. HIV-related stigma is a known impediment to the care and health outcomes of people living with HIV. The proposed study will test theory-based interventions designed to manage HIV stigma in order to improve care retention and medication adherence in communities with high-levels of HIV-related stigma.

This trial is conducting a randomized test of a behavioral self-management intervention designed to improve HIV treatment outcomes in people living with HIV in stigmatized contexts. The trial includes a control arm and a non-stigma enhanced treatment adherence intervention arm. Participants living in an economically under-resourced area of South Africa are recruited through clinical care settings. The goal of the research is to examine whether directly addressing HIV stigma and medication adherence management improves treatment outcomes beyond those observed from a standard behavioral intervention without added stigma-addressing components.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. current clinic visit to receive cART in differentiated care outside of an adherence club
3. unsuppressed HIV at the most recent clinical testing confirmed in run-in
4. access to a phone

Exclusion Criteria:

Not meeting inclusion