Mobile health program for mental health care in Ugandans with HIV
Tests a mobile health program for mental health care in adults with HIV.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Trial Phase: Syndemic Adapted Medly Uganda
Key facts
- Where
- Kampala, UgandaSee the 3 sites
Where in Uganda
- Kawaala HospitalKampala, UgandaTaking people
- Naguru HospitalKampala, UgandaTaking people
- Nsambya HospitalKampala, UgandaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Yale University
- Trial code
- NCT07525271
- Record updated
- 6 November 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Syndemic-Adapted Medly Uganda (SAMU) in improving mental health care among adults living with HIV and hypertension in Uganda. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among people living with HIV (PLHIV) as well as alcohol use disorder (AUD). PLHIV who experience depression are less likely to link to HIV care, adhere to antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression. Building on research conducted to adapt Medly Uganda for mental health using a syndemic framework, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of SAMU on mental health screening and diagnosis. This will be accomplished through a two-arm trial in which 1. participants will be enrolled, screened, re-screened, and assessed for diagnosis and linkage to care for depression, anxiety and AUD and 2. evaluate the factors impacting sustained engagement in the SAMU program, through mixed methods.Read full original descriptionShow less
An mHealth Implementation Strategy to Address the Syndemic of Mental Illness, Hypertension, and HIV in Uganda, Clinical Trial: Syndemic Adapted Medly Uganda (SAMU)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Syndemic-Adapted Medly Uganda (SAMU) in improving mental health care among adults living with HIV and hypertension in Uganda. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among people living with HIV (PLHIV) as well as alcohol use disorder (AUD). PLHIV who experience depression are less likely to link to HIV care, adhere to antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression. Building on research conducted to adapt Medly Uganda for mental health using a syndemic framework, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of SAMU on mental health screening and diagnosis. This will be accomplished through a two-arm trial in which 1. participants will be enrolled, screened, re-screened, and assessed for diagnosis and linkage to care for depression, anxiety and AUD and 2. evaluate the factors impacting sustained engagement in the SAMU program, through mixed methods.
Inclusion: Patient at a participating HIV clinic site; Currently living in Uganda with no intention of moving abroad in next 2 years; Access to a mobile phone; Basic reading skills in one or more of the offered languages (English, Luganda) as determined by the Research Assistant.
Exclusion: Age >=18 years; No access to a mobile phone; Inability to provide informed consent based on assessment by the onsite Research Assistant or HCW; Healthcare Workers/Caregivers Criteria:; Healthcare worker at participating site or caregiver for study participant at site; Basic reading skills in one or more of the offered languages (English, Luganda) as determined by the Research Assistant.