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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Study protocol

Social network-based group intervention to promote HIV prevention in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of Game Changers

Authors: Glenn J. Wagner, Laura M. Bogart, Harold D. Green, Erik D. Storholm, David J. Klein, Ryan K. McBain, Richard Serunkuuma, Kuraish Mubiru, Joseph K. B. Matovu, Stephen Okoboi

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Introduction

Innovative strategies are needed to disseminate HIV prevention messages across communities efficiently, as well as reduce HIV stigma while promoting HIV prevention. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of a social network-based group intervention, Game Changers, which trains persons living with HIV (PLWH) to encourage members of their social network to use HIV protective behaviors

Methods

PLWH in HIV care for at least 1 year will be randomly assigned to receive the 8-session group advocacy training intervention or no-intervention control group. Each enrolled PLWH (index participant) will be asked to recruit up to four social network members (alter participant). Assessments will be administered at baseline and months 6, 12, and 18 to both index and alter participants. The primary outcomes are HIV testing and condom use among alter participants; secondary outcomes are engagement in HIV prevention advocacy and internalized HIV stigma among index participants. Repeated-measures multivariable regression analyses will be conducted to compare outcomes between the intervention and control arms, in addition to a cost-effectiveness evaluation.

Discussion

This social network-based approach to HIV prevention is particularly timely in the era of biomedical interventions, which require widespread penetration of effective HIV prevention and care messaging into communities. Positioning PLWH as central to the solution for controlling (vs. causing) the HIV epidemic has the potential to reduce HIV stigma and improve prevention outcomes at the individual and network levels.

Trial registration

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Title: Social network-based group intervention to promote HIV prevention in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of Game Changers
Authors: Glenn J. Wagner
Laura M. Bogart
Harold D. Green
Erik D. Storholm
David J. Klein
Ryan K. McBain
Richard Serunkuuma
Kuraish Mubiru
Joseph K. B. Matovu
Stephen Okoboi
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06186-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Social network-based group intervention to promote HIV prevention in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of Game Changers

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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