CompletedNot Applicable

Community Health Worker Training to Reduce Depression and Substance Use Stigma in TB/HIV Care in South Africa

South Africa82 participantsStarted 2022-06-08

Plain-language summary

Poor engagement in care contributes to HIV- and TB-related morbidity and mortality in South Africa (SA). Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline lay health workers who work to re-engage patients who are lost to follow-up (LTFU) in HIV/TB care. Patients with depression and substance use (SU) have a greater likelihood of being LTFU in HIV/TB care, and there is evidence that CHWs may exhibit stigma towards these patients. When CHWs have negative attitudes towards these patients, on average they spend less time with these patients, are less likely to implement evidence-based practices, and deliver less patient-centered care. Therefore, this purpose of this study is to examine the implementation and preliminary effectiveness of a brief training ("Siyakhana"). The purpose of this training is to provide CHWs with psychoeducation, skills, and support around working with HIV/TB patients with depression/SU. The investigators will assess the training's implementation and changes in CHWs' stigma towards HIV/TB patients with depression/SU.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years old * Employed as a CHW through a partner non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides HIV/TB CHW services * Works with patients who have HIV and TB, some of whom may be struggling with depression or substance use Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to complete informed consent or study procedures in English or Xhosa

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

CHW Stigma Towards Substance Use

Timeframe: Change between baseline assessment and 6-month follow-up (approximately 6-months post-training)

CHW Stigma Towards Depression

Timeframe: Change between baseline assessment and 6-month follow-up (approximately 6-months post-training)

Training Feasibility

Timeframe: 3-months post-training

Acceptability

Timeframe: 3-months post-training

CHW Training Fidelity

Timeframe: 3-months post-training

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05282173

SponsorUniversity of Maryland, College Park

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-08-01

Results submitted2025-01-13

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Substance-Related Disorders trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

CHW Stigma Towards Substance Use

Timeframe: Change between baseline assessment and 6-month follow-up (approximately 6-months post-training)

CHW Stigma Towards Depression

Timeframe: Change between baseline assessment and 6-month follow-up (approximately 6-months post-training)

Training Feasibility

Timeframe: 3-months post-training

Acceptability

Timeframe: 3-months post-training

CHW Training Fidelity

Timeframe: 3-months post-training