The primary objective of this study is to adapt and evaluate the feasibility of "Lafiya," which means "Wellness" in Hausa, a multilevel intersectional stigma \& discrimination (ISD) and HIV testing intervention, to a status-neutral intervention to increase HIV testing, PrEP, and ART Uptake (HPART) among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ghanaian slums. Specific objectives include, Assessing intersectional stigma and options for HPART implementation, Adapting Lafiya to a status-neutral intervention to address intersectional stigma and increase HPART uptake among YGBMSM, Test acceptance, feasibility, appropriateness, and preliminary efficacy of Lafiya to address intersectional stigma and increase HIVST uptake.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 25 Years
Sex
MALE
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:
* YGBMSM FGD and IDI: To be eligible for FGD, the person must be between 18 to 25 years old, currently identify as a cis-gender man, have had sex with another man within 8 months before engaging with the recruitment team, and must reside within a slum community in the Accra metropolitan areas. To be eligible for IDIs, participants must self-disclose living with HIV.
* GBMSM civil society organizations FGD: The person must have experience providing GBMSM with HIV prevention and care services for at least one year. Must reside in the Accra metropolitan area.
* HCF staff FGDs: HCF staff are eligible to participate in the FGDs if employed at a study-participating facility.
* Anti-ISD Trained Nurses IDIs HCF staff are eligible to participate if they are trained in our previous interventions and have previously delivered them in a Ghanaian HCF.
Exclusion Criteria:
* YGBMSM FGD and IDI: Persons outside the age range of 18 to 25 years old, persons who do not identify as cis-gender men, persons who have not had sex with another man within 8 months before engaging with the recruitment team.
* GBMSM civil society organizations FGD: persons who do not have experience providing GBMSM with HIV prevention and care services for at least one year. Persons who do not reside within a slum community in the Accra metropolitan area (residence outside this area would be excluded).
* HCF staff FGDs: HCF staff are not eligible to participate in the FGDs if they are not employed…
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.