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NCT Number: NCT07508137

Digital PrEP Micro-Intervention for PWUD in Kazakhstan

This study is a mixed-methods pilot designed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a brief digital micro-intervention aimed at reducing stigma-related barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Kazakhstan. Participants will complete baseline and post-intervention surveys and receive structured informational content via Telegram or WhatsApp over approximately 2-3 weeks. The intervention focuses on addressing anticipated stigma, confidentiality concerns, and misinformation that may prevent PWUD from seeking PrEP services. No clinical procedures, medication provision, or biological specimen collection are involved.

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Key information

Conditions

Drug Use HIV

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Center for Scientific and Practical Initiatives

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Location contact

Assel Terlikbayeva, MD, MS, MPH

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

The proposed study has three aims:

  • To refine a brief, stigma-informed digital micro-intervention designed to address structural and anticipated barriers to PrEP uptake among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Kazakhstan.
  • To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of delivering this intervention through secure digital platforms (e.g., Telegram or WhatsApp).
  • To evaluate preliminary changes in PrEP-related knowledge, perceived stigma- related barriers, and readiness to seek PrEP services following exposure to the intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Self-reported drug use within the past six months
  • HIV-negative or unknown HIV status (self-reported)
  • Not currently taking PrEP
  • Able to provide informed consent
  • Have access to a personal mobile phone capable of receiving Telegram or WhatsApp messages

Exclusion criteria

  • Are unable to provide informed consent
  • Do not have access to a mobile device for digital message delivery
  • Are currently enrolled in another PrEP behavioral intervention study

Treatment and study plan

Dgital micro-intervention

Behavioral

Intervention will include 6-10 brief modules delivered asynchronously consisting of text-based content with optional simple visuals. There is no requirement for participant response. Messages will avoid explicit labeling referencing HIV or drug use in preview text and be written using neutral language. Participants are allowed to discontinue receipt at any time.

Primary outcomes

  1. Mean Score Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Acceptability of the intervention will be assessed using the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM). It has 4-items scored on a 5-point Likert scale summed to achieve a total score. Total score range of 0-20. Higher scores indicate more acceptability.

  2. Mean Score Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    The Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) is a 4-item, 5-point Likert scale (

    1=Completely Disagree to 5=Completely Agree) used to evaluate the perceived fit, relevance, or compatibility of an intervention or implementation strategy. Total score range 0-20. Higher scores indicate better appropriateness.

  3. Mean Score Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Feasibility of intervention measured using Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)- a 4-item instrument to assess perceived intervention feasibility. Total score 1-5 with higher scores indicating greater feasibility.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in PrEP knowledge

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Measured by a structured survey. Total score range 1-10. Higher scores indicate increased knowledge.

  2. Change in perceived stigma-related barriers

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Measured by a structured survey. Total score range 8-40. Higher scores indicate more barriers.

  3. Change in readiness to seek PrEP

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Measured by Likert scale survey items. Total score range 1-5. Higher scores indicate increased readiness.

  4. Mean number of clicks or links accessed

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Mean number of clicks or links accessed among participants that used the intervention

  5. Mean number of messages delivered

    Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention (Week 4)

    Mean number of confirmed messages delivered

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Assel Terlikbayeva, MD, MS, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

+77017368679

David Oliveros, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

+12028058118

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Yale University

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Registry information

Official study title

Digital Micro-Interventions to Reduce Stigma-Driven Barriers and Improve PrEP Readiness Among People Who Use Drugs in Kazakhstan

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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