Suubi-Mhealth Study Achieves Recruitment Milestone

The overall goal of the Suubi-Mhealth study (2022-2027) is to develop a mobile health intervention (Suubi-Mhealth) for use among Ugandan youth with comorbid HIV and depression. Under the leadership of Dr. Proscovia Nabunya and Dr. Patricia Cavazos-Rehg at WashU School of Medicine, the study is being conducted in two phases. Phase I focused on technology/app development and feasibility, and the current Phase II (2024-2027) focus on validation and testing the preliminary impact of the app on depression and treatment adherence among youth.

In September 2025, the study team successfully achieved the Phase II recruitment target of 200 participants (ages 14-17) across 10 healthcare facilities, and all recruited participants completed baseline interviews. The team also completed the delivery of the Suubi-Mhealth intervention among youth randomized to the intervention condition, as well as 1-and 2-months post intervention assessments. Participants in the waitlist control also continue to engage with the app. In addition, the study team held the first annual Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meeting, in which study progress and data safety issues were discussed. Congratulations to the team on achieving these important milestones!