HIV InterventionHybrid Type I Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of a Social Network Support Intervention

The intervention condition will be delivered by trained Intervention Case Managers to n=300 Index participants and their Support Confidant.

The intervention consists of (1) selection and invitation of a Support Confidant, (2) a face-to-face intervention between the Intervention Case Manager and the Index and Support Confidant, and (3) quarterly interactive mini-booster sessions delivered to the Index and Support Confidant via text or telephone, based on participant preference.

At 12 months, Index participants in the experimental condition will be re-randomized to either continue receiving quarterly interactive mini-booster sessions or to stop receiving mini-boosters and return to treatment as usual.

Treatment as Usual is comprehensive and follows Department of Health and Human Services guidelines and local protocols on the provision of HIV primary care, which include scheduling one HIV primary care visit and lab tests (including viral load) once every six months, i.e., two HIV primary care visits per year. In addition, all sites provide standard case management and mental health and psychosocial support services to all patients.

The Social Network Support Intervention is an evidence-based, flexible, and tailored intervention that leverages existing social network members to promote retention in care and viral suppression among people living with HIV. The intervention consists of (1) selection and invitation of a Support Confidant, (2) a face-to-face intervention between the Intervention Case Manager and the Index and Support Confidant, and (3) quarterly interactive mini-booster sessions delivered to the Index and Support Confidant via text or telephone, based on participant preference.