NCT06186128 · University of Arkansas
Universal Basic Income and Structural Racism in the US South: HIV Care
(017744S)
What this study is about
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a promising strategy aimed at recalibrating economic systems that are grounded in structural racism. Black men have long been the target of oppressive and interconnected systems of finance and healthcare access, leading to a disproportionate burden of exposure to infectious disease with little healthcare support.
View original scientific description
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a promising strategy aimed at recalibrating economic systems that are grounded in structural racism. Black men have long been the target of oppressive and interconnected systems of finance and healthcare access, leading to a disproportionate burden of exposure to infectious disease with little healthcare support. Yet to our knowledge, no published UBI studies have ever been implemented exclusively with Black men living with HIV in the US. Motivated and inspired by the innovative health and social science being conducted in extremely resource-limited environments in other parts of the world, we recognize an urgent need to better understand the effect of cash transfers on HIV care among Black men in the US South. The proposed study will be based in Arkansas, which, like other Southern states, has a long history of institutional racism and extremely high rates of racial health disparities, poverty, and chronic disease. We will use a mixed methods research design to conduct an in-depth exploration of a UBI intervention to reduce the racial wage gap and promote the use of culturally relevant protective factors. The provision of a UBI is intended to increase receipt and retention of HIV care services and treatment for Black men through the influx of capital and subsequent increases in culturally-based protective factors such as personal agency and social connections. We hypothesize that providing UBI of $500 per month for 6 months will result in increased HIV care utilization among low-income Black men living with HIV. Secondarily, we hypothesize that the effect of UBI will also increase adherence to HIV medication, such that more UBI recipients will achieve and maintain viral suppression compared to individuals in the control condition.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Universal Basic Income
Universal basic income (UBI) is a system that gives everyone a minimum amount of money regularly, regardless of their income or work status.
Primary outcome measures
Receipt of HIV care
Time frame: 1 year
Defined as having at least one HIV viral load and/or CD4 count laboratory test within the six-month period of study enrollment during which the UBI intervention will be implemented at the same period. We also will use medical chart abstraction to confirm self-reported use of HIV care services.
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
- be at least 25 years old;
- self-report as having received from a medical professional a diagnosis for HIV;
- have an annual income up to 400% of the federal poverty threshold (the 2023 federal poverty threshold is defined as an annual income of less than $14,580 for single adults) in the 12-month period prior to study enrollment;
- be able to understand and speak English and to provide written and verbal informed consent;
- plan to remain in the central Arkansas area for the duration of the study period;
- be willing and able to provide weekly information about all activities related to seeking employment and to share financial and income-related information with the study team;
- self-identify as Black or African American;
- have been assigned the male gender at birth;
- be willing to provide medical releases to allow project staff to access healthcare records, and
- in need of HIV care services (defined as having a detectable viral load meaning \>200 copies/mL on most recent viral load test or not having attended a HIV medical care visit in the past 6 months, excluding any visits to the emergency department or rooms or urgent care clinics)
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
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 Oct 20, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations