Suubi4Stigma study protocol: a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial to address HIV-associated stigma among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda

Pilot and Feasibility Studies

Mary M. McKay¹  Jean-Francois Trani¹  James Mugisha²  Torsten B. Neilands³  Fred M. Ssewamala⁴  Ozge Sensoy Bahar⁴  Proscovia Nabunya⁴  Lynn T. M. Michalopoulos⁵ 

[1] Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis;College of Health Sciences, Makerere University;Division of Prevention Science, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco;International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD);The Moving Well Project International, Inc.;

关键词: HIV-associated stigma;    Children and adolescents living with HIV;    Multiple family group;    Group cognitive behavioral therapy;    Uganda;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40814-022-01055-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is heavily burdened by HIV, with 85% of the global new infections among adolescents happening in the region. With advances in medication and national policies promoting antiretroviral therapy (ART), children < 15 years living with HIV (CLWH) continue to grow with a chronic, highly stigmatized disease. Unfortunately, the stigma they experience results in much lower quality of life, including poor mental health and treatment outcomes. Family members also experience stigma and shame by virtue of their association with an HIV-infected family member. Yet, stigma-reduction interventions targeting CLWH and their families are very limited. The goal of this study is to address HIV-associated stigma among CLWH and their caregivers in Uganda. Methods This three-arm cluster randomized control trial, known as Suubi4Stigma, will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of two evidence-based interventions: (1) group cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) focused on cognitive restructuring and strengthening coping skills at the individual level and (2) a multiple family group (MFG) intervention that strengthens family relationships to address stigma among CLWH (N = 90, 10–14 years) and their families (dyads) in Uganda. Nine clinics will be randomized to one of three study arms (n = 3 clinics, 30 child-caregiver dyads each): (1) usual care; (2) G-CBT + usual care; and (3) MFG + usual care. Both treatment and control conditions  will be delivered over a 3-month period. Data will be collected at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 3 months and 6 months post-intervention initiation. Conclusion The primary aim of the proposed project is to address the urgent need for theoretically and empirically informed interventions that seek to reduce HIV-associated stigma and its negative impact on adolescent health and psychosocial well-being. As several countries in SSA grapple with care and support for CLWH, this study will lay the foundation for a larger intervention study investigating how HIV-associated stigma can be reduced to foster healthy child development—especially for CLWH as they transition through adolescence. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04528732 ; Registered August 27, 2020

【 授权许可】

Unknown