NCT07502365 · University of Chicago
BIG Chicago: A Trial of Basic Income Guarantee for Young People Living With HIV
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two interventions - Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) + Treatment as Usual and Treatment as Usual among individuals living with HIV who have experienced financial hardships.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two interventions - Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) + Treatment as Usual and Treatment as Usual among individuals living with HIV who have experienced financial hardships. The main question it aims to answer is: Compared with the Treatment as Usual group, will participants in the BIG + Treatment as Usual group be more likely to improve care engagement and viral suppression? Participants on the study will be: * Randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to participate in either BIG + Treatment as Usual or Treatment as Usual. Participants will have an equal chance of being placed in either group. * Complete 9 surveys over a 36 month period. * Complete a release of information so electronic medical record data can be accessed for the 18 months prior to treatment engagement and for 36 months from program enrollment. * Participants in the Treatment as Usual group will not receive any intervention. * HIV viral load testing will be confirmed at 3 timepoints (baseline, 12 months, and 18 months). * Participants in the BIG + Treatment as Usual group will receive $500 monthly income for 18 months. * Participants in the BIG + Treatment as Usual group will complete 3 social network surveys to assess how receiving BIG impacts their social networks. * A subset of participants in the BIG + Treatment as Usual group (30 participants) will complete 5 individual interviews over the course of receiving BIG and the 18 months after.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Treatment As Usual
Participants will go through a baseline survey. Participants will go through a follow-up survey every six months.
BEHAVIORAL
BIG + Treatment As Usual
Participants will go through a baseline survey. Participants will go through a follow-up survey every six months. Participants will also receive a $500 monthly income over an 18-month period.
Primary outcome measures
Retention in HIV care
Time frame: 18 months prior to baseline, to 36 months after baseline
Number of participants who do not experience gaps in care \>4 months
HIV Viral Suppression
Time frame: 18 months prior to baseline, to 36 months after baseline
Number of participants with an HIV viral load \<200 copies/mL
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Living with HIV for 24 months or longer;
- Ages 18-35;
- English-speaking;
- One or both of the following:
- Experienced a gap in HIV provider care of 6 or greater months during the prior 12-month period;
- Had an unsuppressed viral load at any point within the prior 12-month period (unsuppressed meaning a viral load of 200 copies/mL or higher);
- Household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level; and
- Experiencing financial distress, as based on a financial well-being score of 1-4 (high financial distress).
Exclusion criteria
- Unwilling/unable to provide informed consent
- Unable to confirm HIV status
- Unable to conduct the study in English
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations