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Study on Stigma and Shame in HIV and Substance Use Disorders

This study is testing an intervention called "Matter Intervention" to help people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and substance use disorders (SUDs) better manage their health. It aims to reduce the negative effects of stigma and shame, which can make it harder to stay engaged in HIV care and keep the virus under control. You might be able to join if you are HIV-positive, have an SUD (not just tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol), and feel internalized stigma related to HIV, substance use, sexual orientation, or gender identity. You also need to have a detectable viral load or inconsistent medication adherence. The study will compare the Matter Intervention to a control condition that provides information about local resources. The main goal is to see if the Matter Intervention helps people achieve viral suppression (when the amount of HIV in the blood is very low) after 12 months. The study is currently unclear about its recruitment status and plans to enroll 256 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment. It plans to enroll 256 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 months to assess viral suppression.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05934305

Mitigating the Impact of Stigma and Shame Among People Living With HIV and Substance Use Disorders

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Boston University
~256 participants
Updated 2026-06-23 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Matter InterventionControl Condition

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Viral Suppression at 12 month follow-up
Measured over 12 month follow up

Conditions

Hiv
Substance Use Disorders

Explore related trials

HIV InfectionSubstance use disorder

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
Florida1
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • Abigail Batchelder, PhD, MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · CABU School of Medicine, Psychiatry

Who to contact

Abigail Batchelder, PhD, MPH
[email protected]
6173587640
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

HIV+
Meet criteria for an illicit (not solely including tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) SUD
Endorse internalized stigma related to HIV, substance use, sexual orientation, or gender-identity
Either the participant reports a detectable viral load during past year OR if on oral ART, they report \<80% adherence in the past month OR if on oral ART, they report missing \>=7 days of ART in any month in the past year OR for those on long acting injectable (LAI) ART, they report a period of \>=14 days in the past year between LAI ART injections OR has a detectable HIV viral load (\>20 copies/ mL) in the past year confirmed by medical records or viral load test from blood drawn obtained as part of the baseline visit
Provide informed consent in English
Verbally communicate and read in English or Spanish
Be ≥18 years old
Provide evidence or documentation of HIV+ status
Release HIV-related health records
Have access to a cell phone with text capacity (study will supplement phones and plans as needed consistent with our pilot work).

What this trial measures

  • Viral Suppression at 12 month follow-up12 month follow up

    Compare the proportion of participants randomized to the intervention to the proportion of those randomized to the time-matched control condition who are virally suppressed at the 12 months follow up visit.