Suubi mHealth App

The rates of depression among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda are very high, partially due to the stigma these adolescents face for their positive HIV status. Depression has been found to lower Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) adherence which leads to worsening symptoms and the possibility of spreading the infection to others. Accessible interventions to address depression among this population are critical to improve both mental health outcomes and treatment adherence.

For the pilot project, ALHIV and health providers participated in focus groups to provide insight on ALHIV’s experiences with depression and HIV stigma as well as their suggestions for how an app intervention could support their needs. In Phase 1, a small group ALHIV tested out the app and provided feedback on its usability and impact on their well-being. In Phase 2, a larger group of ALHIV will test out the app for 3 months to determine the intervention’s preliminary effectiveness and additional feedback will be garnered to further refine the app.

To learn more about this study, check out the Suubi-Mhealth study page on the ICHAD (International Center for Child Health and Development) website:

• mHealth Pilot Project (2021-2022): Focus groups were conducted with adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) and health providers to inform the development of the mHealth app intervention for ALHIV
• Phase 1: (COMPLETED) Small scale usability testing of the Suubi mHealth app designed based on the insights from the focus groups, feedback collected informed refinements to the app before Phase 2
• Phase 2: (IN PREPARATION) Full clinical trial to determine the preliminary effectiveness of the Suubi mHealth app to reduce depressive symptoms and increase ART adherence

• Pilot focus group discussions emphasized the importance of privacy settings, in-app communication, education on depression, and providing free phones/data packages for participants
• Phase 1 Results
  • COMING SOON!

Community Impact:

• Health Care Accessibility: Evaluates the use of a mobile app intervention to deliver support for ALWHIV, to reduce barriers to treatment accessibility and help-seeking

Clinical Impact:

• Health Education Software: Informs the development of Suubi mHealth, an app intervention to lower depressive symptoms and increase ART adherence
• Health Promotion/Disease Reduction: By providing accessible resources and daily medication reminders for ALWHIV, this intervention promotes ART adherence to reduce long-term health consequences and possibly the spread of HIV

Nabunya, P., Cavazos-Rehg, P., Mugisha, J., Kasson, E., Namuyaba, O. I., Najjuuko, C., … & Ssewamala, F. M. (2024). An mHealth Intervention to Address Depression and Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youths Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 13(1), e54635.