Can barbershops help stop HIV? new study tests a fresh approach

NCT ID NCT06148584

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether barbershops in the Kalangala islands of Uganda could be a good place to offer HIV prevention services to heterosexual men. Researchers enrolled 250 men and had barbers provide HIV education, hand out self-test kits, and share information about prevention services. The goal was to see if men would accept this approach and if it was practical to run. The study did not test whether it actually prevented HIV, only whether the idea was feasible and acceptable.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

HIV education, HIV self-test kits, and peer support delivered by barbers

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could offer a new, community-friendly way to reach men with HIV prevention and testing, potentially reducing new infections.

What could go wrong

This was a small, early feasibility study (250 men) in one region of Uganda. Results may not apply to other settings, and the approach may not be effective on a larger scale.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HIV INFECTIONS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

HIV infectious disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • MU-JHU Research Collaboration (MUJHU CARE LTD) CRS

    Kampala, Uganda