# Understanding the role of social networks in methadone maintenance treatment retention and antiretroviral therapy adherence among people who inject drugs in Tanzania

> **NIH NIH K01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $54,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The purpose of this Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) application is to develop
Dr. Haneefa Saleem’s career as an independent scientist with expertise in social network analysis and the
development and evaluation of social network interventions to improve health outcomes. PWID have high
rates of HIV, particularly in Tanzania where an estimated 35% of PWID are living with HIV. Methadone
maintenance treatment (MMT) is recommended as part of a comprehensive package of interventions for the
prevention, treatment, and care of HIV infection among PWID. Retention in MMT is associated with improved
antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and HIV viral suppression. Retention in MMT is critical for linking
PWID to ART services, yet MMT retention is a challenge for PWID who routinely leave treatment in the context
of escalating levels of drug use. The goal of this research study is to adapt an innovative social network
intervention that mobilizes the personal social networks of treatment-seeking PWID to support them to remain
in MMT and adhere to ART in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study’s specific aims are to: 1) qualitatively
examine how social networks influence MMT retention and ART adherence among PWID through in-depth
interviews with 10 current and 10 former MMT patients; 2) examine the relationship between personal
network and network-level factors and MMT retention and ART adherence using egocentric and sociometric
network data generated from cross-sectional surveys with 150 HIV-positive MMT patients; and 3) adapt and
pilot a social network intervention aimed at improving MMT retention and ART adherence with 15 current
HIV-positive MMT patients and 15 of their social support persons to assess intervention acceptability and
feasibility in the Tanzanian context. Through the proposed research study and a combination of directed
readings, coursework, and mentored research opportunities, Dr. Saleem will be able to achieve the following
career development goals: 1) gain expertise in the theoretical underpinnings of social networks; 2) develop
advanced social network analysis skills; and 3) enhance her implementation science skills to develop and test
social network interventions. To support these goals, Dr. Saleem has a mentoring team of leading experts in
social network theory and analysis and social network interventions. Dr. Saleem’s career development and
research plan will provide skills and preliminary data for her to pursue future funding and to successfully
become an independent researcher in substance use and HIV research both globally and domestically.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10293105
- **Project number:** 3K01DA047142-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Haneefa Tasleem Saleem
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $54,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10293105

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10293105, Understanding the role of social networks in methadone maintenance treatment retention and antiretroviral therapy adherence among people who inject drugs in Tanzania (3K01DA047142-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10293105. Licensed CC0.

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