Remote HIV Study

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco are conducting a remote study for individuals living with HIV with the goal of improving their overall health and well-being.

Fast Facts

Ages 18-29

Diagnosed with HIV

Compensation Provided

Conducted Remotely

Study Background

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, are conducting a remote study designed to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with HIV.

The Intervention for Virologic Suppression in Youth (iVY) is a UC San Francisco study designed to improve the health and well-being of Californians aged 18-29 living with HIV. This remote study requires participants to complete surveys and home test kits four times over a year. They will be randomly assigned to either continue standard care (Group A) or receive additional support through twelve 30-minute video counseling sessions and a health app (Group B). The study, which lasts about 48 weeks, aims to enhance overall health, mental well-being, and reduce substance use, with all interactions conducted via Zoom.


Join our compensated study!

Study Background

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, are conducting a remote study designed to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with HIV.

The Intervention for Virologic Suppression in Youth (iVY) is a UC San Francisco study designed to improve the health and well-being of Californians aged 18-29 living with HIV. This remote study requires participants to complete surveys and home test kits four times over a year. They will be randomly assigned to either continue standard care (Group A) or receive additional support through twelve 30-minute video counseling sessions and a health app (Group B). The study, which lasts about 48 weeks, aims to enhance overall health, mental well-being, and reduce substance use, with all interactions conducted via Zoom.


Join our compensated study!

Additional Information

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco are conducting a study to improve the health and well-being of individuals with HIV through remote research. The study aims to find effective strategies and interventions to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for people with HIV, using the flexibility of remote participation.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18-29
  • Diagnosed with HIV
  • Live and receive HIV care in California
  • Have access to a smartphone
If you participate in this study, here is what you can expect:

  1. Enrollment: You’ll start with a 1-hour Zoom appointment with the study coordinator. After consenting, you’ll complete a 30-minute baseline survey about your background, health, HIV care, and substance use. You’ll also do a home HIV viral load test and mail it in.

  2. Randomization: You’ll be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

    • Group A (Standard of Care): You’ll continue receiving care from your primary HIV clinic and will complete surveys and home tests every 16 weeks. Based on your survey responses, you might be referred back to your clinic for additional services. Monthly check-ins will ensure your contact and clinic information is up-to-date.

    • Group B (Video-Counseling+App): You’ll have weekly 30-minute video counseling sessions for 16 weeks, with topics including HIV care, mental health, and substance use. You’ll also receive the WYZ app to help with medication reminders, finding resources, and connecting with others. After the initial 12 sessions or 16 weeks, you’ll complete another survey and home test. Depending on your viral load results, you may receive an additional 12 counseling sessions or continue using the WYZ app, with monthly check-ins for support.

Throughout the study, you’ll complete regular surveys and home test kits, with the results used for study purposes only.

You can earn between $470 and $530 for participating in this year-long study. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn this amount:

  • Video Counseling Sessions: $5 each
  • Monthly Check-Ins: $10 each
  • Home Testing: $40-$50 per test
  • Surveys: $40-$50 per survey


This total amount reflects the compensation you would receive for completing all the required sessions, tests, and surveys over the year.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.