Buddhist Understanding and Reduction of Myanmar Experiences of HIV Stigma and Exclusion

NCT05126225 | Completed Results

• 2 other identifiers: IRB# 18-001769R21TW011277
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 19
• Locations: 2 countries
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This project aims to explore a multi-leveled conceptualization of the effects of HIV stigma on HIV care engagement in Myanmar by conducting a mixed-method study.

Conditions

Hiv; Stigma, Social; Mindfulness

Keywords

stigma; Mindfulness; Myanmar

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Stigma Score From Baseline to End of Intervention in Protocol Group

  Perceived Stigma Scale (PSS). Each item is measured using a 4-point Likert scale and the scale contains four factors: personalized stigma (18 items, subscore total 18-72), disclosure concerns (12 items, subscore total 12-48), negative self-image (9 items, subscore total 9-36), and concern with public attitudes about people with HIV (12 items, subscore total 12-48). Each factor is scored separately, with total score is computed by summing all 40 items, with a minimum total PSS score of 40 and a maximum possible score of 160. Raw PSS scores were transformed into Stigma scores 1-4. Higher scores reflect higher levels of perceived stigma.

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in QOL Score From Baseline to End of Intervention in the Protocol Group

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (1)

Protocol group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention is modularized to eight weekly sessions of 2-hour group discussions. The facilitator applies the principle of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and provides psychoeducation to promote the awareness and understanding of HIV stigma as well as training to help participants acquire alternative coping skills, such as relaxation techniques. In five sessions, participants are introduced to the general cognitive-behavioral model of HIV stigma and are encouraged to track their thoughts, feelings, and behavioral responses when encountering external stigma or adverse events. The participants further learn to differentiate helpful and non-helpful coping strategies and practice applying helpful coping skills to effectively reduce their HIV stigma. In the other three sessions, participants further discuss more specific stigma that intersects with HIV stigma, including stigma in healthcare settings, access to social support, and available resources on the society levels.

Behavioral: Stigma reduction

Interventions

Stigma reduction BEHAVIORAL

The intervention is modularized to have eight weekly sessions of 2-hour group discussions, led by a trained facilitator. The facilitator applies the principle of CBT and provides psychoeducation to promote the awareness and understanding of HIV stigma as well as training to help participants acquire alternative coping skills, such as relaxation techniques.

Protocol group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• HIV-Positive
• Care by Myanmar Positive Group/CMRU
• Living in Myanmar/Thailand
• can stay in the period of intervention

You may not qualify if:

• Not HIV
• Living outside of Myanmar/Thailand
• Not care by MPG/CMRU
• Cannot stay for the study period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, Los Angeles: lead
• Chiangmai Rajabhat University: collaborator
• Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health: collaborator

Study Sites (2)

Myanmar Positive Group

Yangon, Myanmar, 99999, Burma

Location

Chiangmai Rajabhat University

Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50120, Thailand

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Social Stigma

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

HIV Infections; Blood-Borne Infections; Communicable Diseases; Infections; Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Lentivirus Infections; Retroviridae Infections; RNA Virus Infections; Virus Diseases; Slow Virus Diseases; Genital Diseases; Urogenital Diseases; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Immune System Diseases; Social Behavior; Behavior

Limitations and Caveats

A small sample size limits the statistical power of a study, making it difficult to detect meaningful differences or relationships even if they exist. This can result in non-significant findings and wide confidence intervals, reducing confidence in the estimated effect size. Consequently, the results may not accurately represent the population or reflect the true effectiveness of the intervention.

Results Point of Contact

• Title: Dr. Wei-Ti Chen
• Organization: University of California Los Angeles, Joe. C Wen School of Nursing

wchen@sonnet.ucla.edu

310-206-8539

Publication Agreements

• PI is Sponsor Employee: No
• Restrictive Agreement: No

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: The intervention is modularized to have eight weekly sessions of 2-hour group discussions, led by a trained facilitator.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 26, 2021
• First Posted: November 18, 2021
• Study Start: July 1, 2020
• Primary Completion: November 19, 2023
• Study Completion: April 30, 2024
• Last Updated: December 29, 2025
• Results First Posted: December 29, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Locations

BU (1); TH (1)