GRAP Opportunity – Improving ART Retention and Adherence in Uganda: The Wise Infant Study (Bonawitz)

Opportunity ID: 02-Bonawitz

Project Title: Improving ART Retention and Adherence in Uganda- The Wise Infant Study (WIN)

Faculty Mentor: Rachael Bonawitz

Description Statement:

WIN is designed to increase our understanding of interventions that are feasible and effective in helping HIV-exposed infants and their mothers to maintain high adherence to activities in the PMTCT cascade, including adherence to prophylactic antiretroviral (ARV) medications for infants. The study will involve: a) evaluating infant outcomes at 6 weeks and 6 months for infants born to women in the WiseMama study and b) assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the use of an electronic medication cap equipped with real-time electronic data monitoring capacity for HIV-exposed infants on ARV prophylaxis; and c) qualitative data exploring caregiver perspectives on barriers and facilitators to retention in care and adherence to ART for infants and caregivers in our study population.  The study population will be infants born to the 130 women enrolled in the parent WiseMama study, which is a RCT designed to assess the utility of aWisepill device in adherence to ART for pregnant and post-partum women in Uganda, where “Option B+” is the standard of care. HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in the study will be randomized to either an intervention or comparison group for an approximately 9-month time period (until 6 months post-partum).

Scope of Work:

I am looking for one student to work with me on this project. Tasks may include:

  1. Database management
  2. Data analysis;
  3. Coding qualitative interviews transcripts;
  4. Other project-related tasks

Minimum Skills Desired:

Strong data collection and management skills; experience with Nvivo and qualitative research experience; interest in pediatrics, HIV, PMTCT. Strong writing skills a plus.

Time / Date Expectations:

An estimated 4-6 hours of work per week, likely beginning Jan or February 2016, with no firm deadline for this project but ideally initial data analysis completed by June 2016. Success with initial tasks will lead to opportunities for further involvement with likely follow-on study activities.

Additional Material Requested: Writing sample

Number of Positions: One (1)

Logistics & Support: Biweekly meetings