About this trial
Psychological distress and depression are common among young people living with HIV (Y-PLWH) and negatively impact medication adherence and disease control. In low- and middle-income countries, this problem is compounded by the lack of trained mental health professionals on the provider side and the requirement of frequent clinic-based visits imposing greater cost, inconvenience, and stigma for patients. Change My Story, is a theory-grounded, interactive narrative game designed to address the key drivers of depression and psychological distress among Y-PLWH in Nigeria. This pilot hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare Change My Story combined with PST to PST alone among 80 Y-PLWH with depression or psychological distress.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
HIV-positive
age 16-24 years
self-reported proficiency in reading and understanding English.
PHQ9 score of 8-17 and impairment in functioning (consistent with clinical depression)
Disqualifiers
pregnant or nursing
in care and on ART for <6 months
history of- or positive assessment for- bipolar or psychotic disorder.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Problem Solving Therapy
- Change My Story
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead sponsor
University of Ibadan
Collaborator