# Suubi+Adherence-R2: Examining the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV (YLHIV) transitioning into young adulthood

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $301,159

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The purpose of the Suubi+Adherence-R2 administrative supplemental project is to enhance
inclusion of the target population by recruiting refugee youth living with HIV (RYLHIV) in Uganda.
While the parent grant focuses on youth living with HIV, it does not include refugee youth
population. Yet, refugee youth are a very vulnerable population at increased risk of HIV infection
due to exploitation as many of them may be unaccompanied by parents or guardians and many
have been exposed to gender-based violence including rape that is used as a weapon of war in
the conflicts they are fleeing from. Moreover, many of these refugees are now settled in areas
with some of the highest HIV rates in Uganda. This elevated risk of HIV infection among the
refugee population is compounded by the fact that many of these refugee youth have very limited
knowledge about sexual and reproductive health in general. Additionally, HIV testing rates are
low in these refugee communities due to barriers such as lack of privacy from overcrowding in
camps, transportation difficulties, literacy and language difficulties, stigma, and HIV testing is
often not the top priority as refugees are preoccupied by activities necessary for basic survival.
Additionally, given the high prevalence of trauma-associated mental disorders due to their
exposure to trauma, compounded by the abject poverty that they have been thrown into by
displacement, that have been shown to increase the rates of engagement in risky sexual behavior
and substance use, these adolescent refugees are at especially increased risk of acquiring or
transmitting HIV and other STIs. Consistent with the aims of the parent grant, the administrative
supplement will allow us to: examine the HIV viral suppression (primary outcome) and explore
the participants' ability to access and refill prescribed medication, adhere to prescribed daily
medication routines, and engage in HIV care; and (2) assess a) economic stability, sexual risk-
taking behavior, adherence self-efficacy; b) cognitive functioning; c) mental health functioning;
and d) young adult transitions and social support. This administrative supplement is significant
because it has the potential to advance our understanding of factors including utilization of HIV
treatment and adherence to treatment, trauma-associated disorders, psychological functioning,
and sexual decision-making among vulnerable refugee youth population in Uganda.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10594195
- **Project number:** 3R01HD074949-09S1
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** FRED M SSEWAMALA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $301,159
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2012-09-30 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10594195

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10594195, Suubi+Adherence-R2: Examining the longitudinal HIV treatment adherence among youth living with HIV (YLHIV) transitioning into young adulthood (3R01HD074949-09S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10594195. Licensed CC0.

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