Trial results for a study on Buddhist Understanding and Reduction of Myanmar Experiences of HIV Stigma and Exclusion were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2025-12-29, indicating statistically significant mean differences in stigma and quality of life scores.
Background
HIV stigma remains a significant barrier to care engagement and overall well-being for individuals living with HIV, particularly in regions like Myanmar. The social exclusion and discrimination associated with HIV can severely impact quality of life and adherence to treatment. Interventions that address the psychosocial aspects of HIV, such as stigma and mental well-being, are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study explored a conceptualization of HIV stigma's effects on care engagement, utilizing approaches related to Buddhist understanding and mindfulness.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 19 participants. The trial investigated conditions including HIV, Social Stigma, and Mindfulness. The project aimed to explore a multi-leveled conceptualization of the effects of HIV stigma on HIV care engagement in Myanmar through a mixed-method study.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements and analyses for the protocol group:
- For the Change in Stigma Score From Baseline to End of Intervention:
- A mean score of 2.2358 (Standard Deviation 0.56062) was observed.
- Another mean score was 2.1760 (Standard Deviation 0.69976).
- For the Change in QOL Score From Baseline to End of Intervention:
- A mean score of 2.73 (Standard Deviation 0.82) was observed.
- Another mean score was 2.68 (Standard Deviation 0.90).
Key analyses using a 2-sided t-test showed statistically significant mean differences in final values:
- A mean difference of 0.5 was reported with a 95.0% confidence interval of 0.032 to 0.96, and a p-value of 0.05.
- Another mean difference of 0.3 was reported with a 95.0% confidence interval of 0.16 to 0.44, and a p-value of 0.05.
What this means
The posted results suggest that the intervention, which explored Buddhist understanding and mindfulness in the context of HIV stigma, led to statistically significant improvements in both stigma and quality of life scores among the participants. The observed mean differences, supported by p-values of 0.05 and 95.0% confidence intervals, indicate a positive impact. While the study involved a small cohort of 19 participants, these findings provide preliminary evidence that such approaches could be beneficial in reducing HIV-related stigma and enhancing the well-being of individuals living with HIV in Myanmar.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study "Buddhist Understanding and Reduction of Myanmar Experiences of HIV Stigma and Exclusion" were posted on 2025-12-29 on clinicaltrials.gov.