Can talking about stigma help people with HIV and depression?
NCT ID NCT06951542
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study in Malawi tests whether adding stigma-reduction counseling to standard depression treatment helps people living with HIV. Two hundred adults with HIV and depressive symptoms will receive counseling sessions that challenge myths and build coping skills. Researchers will measure if the approach is acceptable, feasible, and shows early signs of improving depression and HIV care engagement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Stigma Reduction Counseling
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a practical way to improve mental health and HIV care engagement by addressing stigma.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot trial focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. Results may not apply to other settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Living with HIV and receiving ART at Salima or Mulanje District Hospital * Adult (18+ years) * Elevated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 Score ≥5) Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women * Severe mental or physical illness
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mulanje District Hospital
Mulanje, Malawi
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Salima District Hospital
Salima, Malawi
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