Trial results for a study investigating the effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CETA) for improving HIV treatment outcomes were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-02-19, with 399 participants enrolled.
Background
HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in populations affected by co-occurring issues such as intimate partner violence (IPV). Women with HIV who have experienced IPV often face additional barriers to achieving viral suppression, which is crucial for their health and preventing transmission. Interventions that address both mental health and adherence to HIV treatment are vital. The Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, was investigated as a potential strategy to improve HIV treatment outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 399 participants in South Africa. The trial focused on individuals with HIV/AIDS who had also experienced Violence, specifically women with HIV who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and had an unsuppressed viral load on HIV treatment. The study evaluated the impact of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), an intervention comprised of cognitive-behavioral therapy elements, against an Active Control group. The aim was to improve HIV treatment outcomes.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements comparing the CETA intervention to an Active Control group:
- 12 Month Viral Suppression:
- In the CETA group, 86 participants achieved viral suppression.
- In the Active Control group, 86 participants achieved viral suppression.
- 3 Month Viral Suppression:
- In the CETA group, 25 participants achieved viral suppression.
- In the Active Control group, 13 participants achieved viral suppression.
- 12 Month Attrition Rate:
- The CETA group had an attrition rate of 49 participants.
- The Active Control group had an attrition rate of 38 participants.
- Violence Against Women at 3 Months (score on a scale):
- The CETA group reported a mean score of 37.0 (95% Confidence Interval).
- The Active Control group reported a mean score of 37.0 (95% Confidence Interval).
- Violence Against Women at 12 Months (score on a scale):
- The CETA group reported a mean score of 35.2 (95% Confidence Interval).
- The Active Control group reported a mean score of 37.1 (95% Confidence Interval).
- Substance Use at 3 Months (score on a scale):
- The CETA group reported a mean score of 0.1 (95% Confidence Interval).
- The Active Control group reported a mean score of 0.1 (95% Confidence Interval).
What this means
The posted results provide insights into the effectiveness of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) for women with HIV who have experienced intimate partner violence. While 12-month viral suppression was comparable between the CETA and Active Control groups, CETA showed a higher number of participants achieving viral suppression at 3 months. The CETA group also demonstrated a slightly lower mean score for violence against women at 12 months compared to the active control. However, the CETA group also experienced a higher attrition rate. These findings suggest mixed outcomes, indicating potential benefits in some areas but also highlighting challenges that warrant further investigation.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT04242992, titled "Effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Improving HIV Treatment Outcomes in South Africa", were posted on 2026-02-19 on clinicaltrials.gov.