Psychological interventions for alcohol use disorders in people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review

Sexual and preventive behaviors associated with HAV, HBV, and HPV vaccine hesitancy among men who have sex with men in France

Vaccination coverage against hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomaviruses (HPV) is insufficient among men who have sex with men (MSM), partly because of their high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy (VH) specific to these vaccines. This study aimed to investigate determinants of specific VH in MSM, focusing on characteristics of their sexual activity, propensity to use prevention tools and medical care, disclosure of sexual orientation to health care professionals (HCPs), and perceived stigmatization. A cross-sectional electronic survey (February - August 2022) collected perceptions of HBV, HAV, and HPV, and of their respective vaccines among 3,730 French MSM and enabled the construction of a specific VH variable. Using agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis, we constructed a typology of MSM sexual and prevention practices. We identified three MSM clusters (low- (C1, 24%), moderate- (C2, 41%), and high- (C3, 35%) "sexual activity/medical engagement") that showed an increasing gradient in the use of medical prevention with regular medical care and exposure to high-risk sexual practices. A multiple ordinal logistic regression showed that overall specific VH was higher in the C1 cluster and in men who had not informed their physician of their sexual orientation. This typology could usefully help to adapt vaccination communication strategies for MSM prevention program according to patients' profiles. HCPs should be encouraged and trained to ask men about their sexual practices and to provide appropriate vaccination recommendations nonjudgmentally.

Design and rationale for a randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of a lifestyle physical activity intervention for people with HIV and engaged in unhealthy drinking

BACKGROUND

Among people living with HIV (PLWH), unhealthy drinking presents an increased risk for negative outcomes. Physical inactivity and sedentariness raise additional health risks. Despite evidence that physical activity (PA) is associated with improved physical and mental functioning and reduced alcohol cravings, there have been no PA studies conducted with PLWH engaged in unhealthy drinking. We describe a study protocol of a remote lifestyle physical activity (LPA) intervention to increase PA and reduce alcohol consumption among PLWH.

METHODS

Using online advertisements, 220 low-active PLWH engaged in unhealthy drinking will be recruited and randomized nationwide. After providing informed consent and completing a baseline interview, participants will receive a Fitbit. Participants will complete 15 days of ecologic momentary assessment through a phone application and up to 15 days of Fitbit wear time. Following this period, participants will be randomly assigned to a Fitbit-only control condition or a LPA and Fitbit intervention condition. Health counselors meet with control participants once (and have 6 subsequent brief check ins on Fibit use) and with intervention participants 7 times for PA counseling over a 12-week period. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 3- and 6-months post-randomization. We hypothesize that individuals in the LPA and Fitbit condition will have lower rates of alcohol consumption and higher rates of PA at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The randomized controlled trial described in this paper investigates remote methods to influence multimorbidity among PLWH using a LPA approach for increasing PA and reducing alcohol consumption.

The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Life Course Alcohol Use Patterns and Health Status Among People Living with HIV

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and financial hardship are associated with increased likelihood of heavier alcohol use and health challenges in adulthood among persons living with HIV (PWH). We examined whether retrospectively captured lifetime drinking trajectories are a pathway through which childhood hardships affect current health in a sample of 365 adult PWH. Childhood economic hardship and ACEs were used as main predictors. Measures of alcohol use included age at first drink and lifetime drinking trajectories. Health indicators included health-related quality of life, frailty, number of comorbidities, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to estimate both direct and indirect pathways between childhood hardship and physical and mental health. Participants were mostly male; Black (84%); and averaged 48 years of age. SEM results supported both direct and indirect pathways between childhood experiences and adult health. ACEs were connected to physical health directly and mental health both directly and indirectly through age at first drink and drinking heaviness during ages 10-20. Childhood economic hardship related to mental health indirectly through higher drinking levels during ages 10-20. Childhood adverse experiences, economic hardship, and early drinking patterns appear to accumulate, resulting in later life physical and mental health concerns for PWH. Findings support taking a life course approach to health. This includes considering individual trauma histories in HIV care engagement and taking preventative approaches which support the economic and social well-being of vulnerable children to improve health in subsequent decades.

Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for alcohol use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis update

Background: Given the accumulating research, evolving psychosocial treatment, and equivocal findings, updating WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme-2015 was necessary to ensure guidelines reflect effective strategies for alcohol use disorder (AUD).Objective: To estimate the effects of psychosocial interventions on drinking and related outcomes.Methods: We included randomized controlled trials published between January 2015 and June 2022 on adults with alcohol dependence (ICD 10/DSM-IV) and moderate to severe AUD (DSM-5), and those examined psychosocial interventions against treatment-as-usual (TAU) and active controls. Eight databases and registries were searched. Relative Risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used for dichotomous and continuous outcomes. We used Cochrane's risk of bias assessment (RoB2).Results: Of 873 screened records, 14 and 13 studies in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Of the 2,575 participants, 71.5% were men. Thirteen studies used ICD 10/DSM IV diagnosis. Compared to TAU, any psychosocial intervention increased the relative risk of abstinence by 28% [N = 7, RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.53, p = .01, NNT = 9]. There were minimal heterogeneity and no evidence of publication bias. Psychosocial interventions were not effective in reducing the drinking frequency (n = 2, Hedge's g = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.26, p = .57) and drinks/drinking days (N = 5, g = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.37 to 0.16, p = .43). Treatment discontinuation did not differ between intervention and control groups [RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.80].Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions are effective in improving abstinence but not in reducing drinking frequency or amount. Policymakers must consider this evidence to generate AUD treatment guidelines.Registration: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022342608.

An Intervention to Reduce Drinking Among Individuals With HIV and Hepatitis C: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Heavy drinking poses serious risks to individuals with HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and especially HIV/HCV coinfection. We adapted the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Clinician's Guide to address HIV/HCV coinfection and paired this with the "HealthCall" smartphone app to create an intervention tailored to HIV/HCV. After formative work and pretesting with HIV/HCV coinfected heavy drinkers, we conducted a pilot trial to determine potential of this new intervention for decreasing drinking.

METHOD

A sample of 31 HIV/HCV coinfected heavy drinkers were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 16) or control (n = 15; psychoeducation and brief advice) conditions. All participants completed a 60-day program consisting of approximately 25-minute-long baseline sessions and brief 5-10-minute booster sessions at 30 and 60 days, as well as an assessment-only follow-up at 90 days. Outcomes were measured using the Timeline Followback at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days. Generalized linear models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Intervention participants drank fewer mean drinks per drinking day at 60 days (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.43, p = .03) and 90 days (IRR = 0.34, p < .01). Intervention participants also reported fewer drinking days at 90 days (mean difference = 34.5%; p < .01). Self-efficacy differed between groups during intervention (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although our sample was small, our results suggested lower drinking among participants who received a modified Clinician's Guide intervention plus use of the smartphone app HealthCall, in comparison with education and advice alone. A larger study is indicated to further examine this brief, disseminable intervention for HIV/HCV coinfected drinkers.

Effect of a brief alcohol counselling intervention on HIV viral suppression and alcohol use among persons with HIV and unhealthy alcohol use in Uganda and Kenya: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Unhealthy alcohol use significantly contributes to viral non-suppression among persons with HIV (PWH). It is unknown whether brief behavioural interventions to reduce alcohol use can improve viral suppression among PWH with unhealthy alcohol use in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS

As part of the SEARCH study (NCT04810650), we conducted an individually randomized trial in Kenya and Uganda of a brief, skills-based alcohol intervention among PWH with self-reported unhealthy alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption [AUDIT-C], prior 3 months, ≥3/female; ≥4/male) and at risk of viral non-suppression, defined as either recent HIV viral non-suppression (≥400 copies/ml), missed visits, out of care or new diagnosis. The intervention included baseline and 3-month in-person counselling sessions with interim booster phone calls every 3 weeks. The primary outcome was HIV viral suppression (<400 copies/ml) at 24 weeks, and the secondary outcome was unhealthy alcohol use, defined by AUDIT-C or phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an alcohol biomarker, ≥50 ng/ml at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Between April and September 2021, 401 persons (198 intervention, 203 control) were enrolled from HIV clinics in Uganda (58%) and Kenya (27%) and alcohol-serving venues in Kenya (15%). At baseline, 60% were virally suppressed. Viral suppression did not differ between arms at 24 weeks: suppression was 83% in intervention and 82% in control arms (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93-1.1). Among PWH with baseline viral non-suppression, 24-week suppression was 73% in intervention and 64% in control arms (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.93-1.43). Unhealthy alcohol use declined from 98% at baseline to 73% in intervention and 84% in control arms at 24 weeks (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.94). Effects on unhealthy alcohol use were stronger among women (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.88) than men (RR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.85-1.01) and among participants with a baseline PEth⩽200 ng/ml (RR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.87) versus >200 ng/ml (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92-1.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial of 401 PWH with unhealthy alcohol use and risk for viral non-suppression, a brief alcohol intervention reduced unhealthy alcohol use but did not affect viral suppression at 24 weeks. Brief alcohol interventions have the potential to improve the health of PWH in SSA by reducing alcohol use, a significant driver of HIV-associated co-morbidities.

Brief interventions for alcohol misuse among people living with HIV: a meta-analysis

Background: One-third of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorders which negatively affect course and outcome of HIV.Objectives: The meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effectiveness of brief interventions (BI) on alcohol and HIV outcomes in PLHIV with alcohol misuse.Methods: We included clinical trials published between 1990 and September 2022 on adults with harmful/hazardous alcohol use; only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials.Gov, and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases. Cochrane's risk-of-bias assessment was used.Results: Eighteen studies were included in the narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis could be performed on 13 studies. Among the included RCTs, seven showed a low risk and two showed a high risk of bias; others showed some concerns. There was no evidence of publication bias. Compared to the control, BI significantly reduces the drinks per drinking day (N = 5, Hedge's g= -0.45, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.32) and the number of heavy drinking days (N = 4, Hedge'sg = -0.81, 95% CI= -0.94, -0.67) between 3-6 months post-intervention. BI also reduces the odds of mortality by 42% (N = 7, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.99) in 6-12 months. BI does not change the alcohol risk scores and transition to harmful alcohol use; it does not improve adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy and increase viral suppression.Conclusion: Policymakers must introduce and scale up integrated screening and brief intervention services within HIV clinics and primary care.

Motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy intervention for patients on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in Tshwane, South Africa: A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact on alcohol consumption

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Reduction of alcohol consumption is important for people undergoing treatment for HIV. We tested the efficacy of a brief intervention for reducing the average volume of alcohol consumed among patients on HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART).

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study used a two-arm multi-centre randomized controlled trial with follow-up to 6 months. Recruitment occurred between May 2016 and October 2017 at six ART clinics at public hospitals in Tshwane, South Africa. Participants were people living with HIV, mean age 40.8 years [standard deviation (SD) = 9.07], 57.5% female, and on average 6.9 years (SD = 3.62) on ART. At baseline (BL), the mean number of drinks consumed over the past 30 days was 25.2 (SD = 38.3). Of 756 eligible patients, 623 were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly assigned to a motivational interviewing (MI)/problem-solving therapy (PST) intervention arm (four modules of MI and PST delivered over two sessions by interventionists) or a treatment as usual (TAU) comparison arm. People assessing outcomes were masked to group assignment.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the number of standard drinks (15 ml pure alcohol) consumed during the past 30 days assessed at 6-month follow-up (6MFU).

FINDINGS

Of the 305 participants randomized to MI/PST, 225 (74%) completed the intervention (all modules). At 6MFU, retention was 88% for the control and 83% for the intervention arm. In support of the hypothesis, an intention-to-treat-analysis for the primary outcome at 6MFU was -0.410 (95% confidence interval = -0.670 to -0.149) units lower on log scale in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.002), a 34% relative reduction in the number of drinks. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken for patients who had alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) scores ≥ 8 at BL (n = 299). Findings were similar to those of the whole sample.

CONCLUSIONS

In South Africa, a motivational interviewing/problem-solving therapy intervention significantly reduced drinking levels in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy at 6-month follow-up.

Children of a syndemic: co-occurring and mutually reinforcing adverse child health exposures in a prospective cohort of HIV-affected mother-infant dyads in Cape Town, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

Several HIV-related syndemics have been described among adults. We investigated syndemic vulnerability to hazardous drinking (HD), intimate partner violence (IPV) and household food insecurity (HFIS) in breastfed children born without HIV in urban South Africa. We compared those who were perinatally HIV exposed (CHEU) to those who were not (CHU), under conditions of universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and breastfeeding.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV), and without HIV, were enrolled and followed with their infants for 12 months postpartum (2013-2017). All WLHIV initiated antenatal efavirenz-based ART. Measurements of growth (∼3 monthly), infectious cause hospitalisation, ambulatory childhood illness (2-week recall) and neurodevelopment (BSID-III, measured at ∼12 months' age) were compared across bio-social strata using generalised linear regression models, with interaction terms; maternal data included interview-based measures for HD (AUDIT-C), IPV (WHO VAW) and HFIS.

RESULTS

Among 872 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs (n = 461 CHEU, n = 411 CHU), WLHIV (vs. HIV negative) reported more unemployment (279/461, 60% vs. 217/411, 53%; p = 0.02), incomplete secondary education (347/461, 75% vs. 227/411, 55%; p < 0.0001), HD (25%, 117/459 vs. 7%, 30/411; p < 0.0001) and IPV (22%, 101/457 vs. 8%, 32/411; p < 0.0001) at enrolment; and HFIS at 12 months (45%, 172/386 vs. 30%, 105/352; p > 0.0001). There were positive interactions between maternal HIV and other characteristics. Compared to food secure CHU, the mean difference (95% CI) in weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) was 0.06 (-0.14; 0.25) for food insecure CHU; -0.26 (-0.42; -0.10) for food secure CHEU; and -0.43 (-0.61; -0.25), for food insecure CHEU. Results were similar for underweight (WAZ < -2), infectious-cause hospitalisation, cognitive and motor delay. HIV-IPV interactions were evident for ambulatory diarrhoea and motor delay. There were HIV-HD interactions for odds of underweight, stunting, cognitive and motor delay. Compared to HD-unexposed CHU, the odds ratios (95% CI) of underweight were 2.31 (1.11; 4.82) for HD-exposed CHU; 3.57 (0.84; 15.13) for HD-unexposed CHEU and 6.01 (2.22; 16.22) for HD-exposed CHEU.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that maternal HIV-related syndemics may partly drive excess CHEU health risks, highlighting an urgent need for holistic maternal and family care and support alongside ART to optimise the health of CHEU.

Universal HIV Testing and Treatment With Patient-Centered Care Improves ART Uptake and Viral Suppression Among Adults Reporting Hazardous Alcohol Use in Uganda and Kenya

OBJECTIVES

Determine whether patient-centered, streamlined HIV care achieves higher antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and viral suppression than the standard treatment model for people with HIV (PWH) reporting hazardous alcohol use.

DESIGN

Community cluster-randomized trial.

METHODS

The Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health trial (NCT01864603) compared an intervention of annual population HIV testing, universal ART, and patient-centered care with a control of baseline population testing with ART by country standard in 32 Kenyan and Ugandan communities. Adults (15 years or older) completed a baseline Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and were classified as no/nonhazardous (AUDIT-C 0-2 women/0-3 men) or hazardous alcohol use (≥3 women/≥4 men). We compared year 3 ART uptake and viral suppression of PWH reporting hazardous use between intervention and control arms. We compared alcohol use as a predictor of year 3 ART uptake and viral suppression among PWH, by arm.

RESULTS

Of 11,070 PWH with AUDIT-C measured, 1723 (16%) reported any alcohol use and 893 (8%) reported hazardous use. Among PWH reporting hazardous use, the intervention arm had higher ART uptake (96%) and suppression (87%) compared with control (74%, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.38; and 72%, aRR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.31, respectively). Within arm, hazardous alcohol use predicted lower ART uptake in control (aRR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.96), but not intervention (aRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.04); use was not predictive of suppression in either arm.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health intervention improved ART uptake and viral suppression among PWH reporting hazardous alcohol use and eliminated gaps in ART uptake between PWH with hazardous and no/nonhazardous use. Patient-centered HIV care may decrease barriers to HIV care for PWH with hazardous alcohol use.

Perspectives on contingency management for alcohol use and alcohol-associated conditions among people in care with HIV

BACKGROUND

Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based approach for reducing alcohol use; however, its implementation into routine HIV primary care-based settings has been limited. We evaluated perspectives on implementing CM to address unhealthy alcohol use and associated conditions for people with HIV in primary care settings.

METHODS

From May 2021 to August 2021, we conducted two focus groups with staff involved in delivering the intervention (n = 5 Social Workers and n = 4 Research Coordinators) and individual interviews (n = 13) with a subset of participants involved in the multi-site Financial Incentives, Randomization, and Stepped Treatment (FIRST) trial. Qualitative data collection and analyses were informed by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Service (PARIHS) implementation science framework, including evidence (perception of CM), context (HIV primary care clinic and CM procedures), and facilitation (feasibility outside the research setting).

RESULTS

Several major themes were identified. Regarding the evidence, participants lacked prior experience with CM, but the intervention was well received and, by some, perceived to lead to lasting behavior change. Regarding the clinical context for the reward schedule, the use of biochemical testing, specifically fingerstick phosphatidylethanol testing, and the reward process were perceived to be engaging and gratifying for both staff and patients. Participants indicated that the intervention was enhanced by its co-location within the HIV clinic. Regarding facilitation, participants suggested addressing the intervention's feasibility for non-research use, simplifying the reward structure, and rewarding non-abstinence in alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients and staff involved in a clinical trial, CM was viewed as a helpful, positive, and feasible approach to addressing unhealthy alcohol use and related conditions. To enhance implementation, future efforts may consider simplified approaches to the reward structure and expanding rewards to non-abstinent reductions in alcohol consumption.

Understanding Patients' Experiences with a Brief Alcohol Reduction Intervention among People Living with HIV in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Background: Brief alcohol reduction interventions for people living with HIV (PLWH) have resulted in mixed findings with some studies showing null or limited treatment effects. To better understand factors that may contribute to their success or failure, this qualitative study sought to explore participants' experiences in a randomized trial (RCT) of a brief counseling-based alcohol reduction intervention, including challenges that may have impeded alcohol reduction. Methods: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 24 PLWH engaging in unhealthy alcohol use, who were enrolled in an RCT to reduce alcohol consumption conducted in southwestern Uganda in 2019-2020 (NCT03928418). We used a collaborative thematic approach to analyze data from transcribed and translated audio recordings. Results: Perceived benefits of the intervention included increased awareness of alcohol use and its impact on personal finances, the relationship between alcohol use and violence, and a commitment to drinking reduction. Participants experienced several barriers to decreasing their alcohol use, including: prevailing social norms about alcohol use, lack of social support, and economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Factors in the immediate contexts of PLWH in low-income settings, including social norms influencing alcohol consumption and lack of social support, may impede the impact of alcohol reduction interventions, especially during times of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Qualitative Study of the Benefits and Utility of Brief Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in reducing sexual risk behaviors. However, limited information is available on the acceptability of brief MI among men who have sex with men (MSM) in poor resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the views of MSM about the benefits and utility of brief MI (bMI) in changing their risky behavior. A qualitative study among men who have sex with men (MSM) who were enrolled in a longitudinal observational study between December 2021 and May 2023. The setting was in Tshwane North and participants were scheduled for baseline, 6-month, and 12-month visits. All participants received 20 min one-on-one face-to-face brief motivational interview (bMI) sessions during their follow-up visits. At month 12, an exit interview was conducted with consenting conveniently sampled participants (n = 23) who had completed all scheduled visits and received three bMI sessions. The findings indicated that the most recalled conversation was related to multiple sexual partners, having sex under the influence of alcohol, and MSM learned more about sexually transmitted diseases. Many expressed being comfortable with the sessions because the counselor was respectful and non-judgmental. Most found the bMI sessions to have a positive impact on changing and reducing risky sexual behaviors, particularly it reportedly increased their use of condoms and reduced the number of multiple partners. MSM found the bMI to be useful and acceptable in reducing sexual risk behaviors among MSM.

Pilot Trial of a Smartphone-Based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Consumption among Veterans with HIV

Veterans engage in disproportionate levels of alcohol use, which can impact treatment outcomes among veterans with HIV. The TRAC (Tracking and Reducing Alcohol Consumption) intervention, which combines smartphones, mobile breathalyzers, and motivational interviewing (MI), was developed to help reduce alcohol use among this population. This study reports results of an 8-week pilot trial of TRAC among veterans with HIV (N = 10). Participants attended weekly MI sessions conducted via videoconferencing or phone and completed twice-daily self-monitoring of alcohol consumption using breathalyzers and surveys. They also completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and a qualitative interview. Analyses explored adherence to self-monitoring tasks, perceptions of the intervention, and preliminary effects of TRAC on alcohol use and readiness to change drinking behavior. Participants completed 76% of breathalyzer readings and 73% of surveys and completed more daytime than evening monitoring tasks. AUDIT hazardous drinking scores significantly decreased between baseline and post-test. Qualitative interviews revealed positive attitudes toward the technologies and MI sessions. Overall, this pilot demonstrated that the TRAC intervention has potential to reduce alcohol use among veterans with HIV, though additional effort is needed to improve adherence to mobile monitoring. Results were used to refine the intervention in preparation for a randomized controlled trial.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Alcohol Use in Vietnamese Adults with Hazardous Alcohol Use and HIV

A three-armed drinking cessation trial in Vietnam found that both a brief and intensive version of an intervention effectively reduced hazardous drinking in people living with HIV. We used group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to assess the extent to which findings may vary by latent subgroups distinguished by their unique responses to the intervention. Using data on drinking patterns collected over the 12 months, GBTM identified five trajectory groups, three of which were suboptimal ["non-response" (17.2%); "non-sustained response" (15.7%), "slow response" (13.1%)] and two optimal ["abstinent" (36.4%); "fast response" (17.6%)]. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine that those randomized to any intervention arm were less likely to be in a suboptimal trajectory group, even more so if randomized to the brief (vs. intensive) intervention. Older age and higher baseline coping skills protected against membership in suboptimal trajectory groups; higher scores for readiness to quit drinking were predictive of it. GBTM revealed substantial heterogeneity in participants' response to a cessation intervention and may help identify subgroups who may benefit from more specialized services within the context of the larger intervention.

Psychosocial Interventions by Nurses for Patients with HIV/ AIDS: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Providing psychological support is one of the traditional roles of nurses for patients with HIV/AIDS. Searching the literature showed that various psychological interventions have been performed by nurses to support HIV/AIDS patients; however, no summary of these interventions is available. We aimed to systematically review the interventional studies which investigated the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions delivered by nurses to HIV/AIDS patients.

Methods

This systematic review was performed based on Cochrane's handbook of systematic reviews of interventional studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement were used in this study. The databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus and World Health Organization were searched from January 2009 to December 2022. Based on inclusion criteria, nine studies included in this systematic review. Cochrane data extraction form was used for the systematic review and the article's information was summarized using the modified Jadad scale.

Results

The interventions provided by the nurses included: virtual and face-to-face educational programs, written information resources, palliative care, motivational interview, case management, home visit, and care services, along with face-to-face and telephone follow-up. These interventions have a significant positive effect on the quality of life and management of high-risk behaviors, disease management, symptoms and complications, adherence to treatment, immune function, and mental health in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that despite the fact that the interventions have a purely psychological content and can be done with various methods, they are able to have positive consequences in physical, psychological, behavioral, and laboratory health in HIV/AIDS patients.

Telemedicine for unhealthy alcohol use in adults living with HIV in Alabama using common elements treatment approach: A hybrid clinical efficacy-implementation trial protocol

Background

Unhealthy alcohol use is an unaddressed barrier to achieving and maintaining control of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Integrated screening, treatment of common behavioral and mental health comorbidities, and telemedicine can improve alcohol treatment and HIV clinical and quality of life outcomes for rural and underserved populations.

Objective

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of telephone-delivered Common Elements Treatment Approach (T-CETA), a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy protocol, on unhealthy alcohol use, HIV, other substance use and mental health outcomes among predominantly rural adults with HIV receiving care at community clinics in Alabama.

Methods

Adults with HIV receiving care at four selected community clinics in Alabama will receive a telephone-delivered alcohol brief intervention (BI), and then be assigned at random (stratified by clinic and sex) to no further intervention or T-CETA. Participants will be recruited after screening positively for unhealthy alcohol use or when referred by a provider. The target sample size is 308. The primary outcome will be change in the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) at six- and 12-months post-enrollment. Additional outcomes include HIV (retention in care and viral suppression), patient-reported mental health (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress), and quality of life. A range of implementation measures be evaluated including T-CETA provider and client acceptability, feasibility, cost and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

This trial will inform alcohol treatment within HIV care programs, including the need to consider comorbidities, and the potential impact of alcohol interventions on HIV and quality of life outcomes.

Effect of two counseling interventions on self-reported alcohol consumption, alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth), and viral suppression among persons living with HIV (PWH) with unhealthy alcohol use in Uganda: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To test the efficacy of two interventions to reduce alcohol use and increase viral suppression compared to a control in persons with HIV (PWH).

METHODS

In a three-arm (1:1:1) randomized controlled trial (N = 269), we compared in-person counselling (45-70 minutes, two sessions over three months) with interim monthly booster phone calls (live call arm) or twice-weekly automated booster sessions (technology arm) to a brief advice control arm. We enrolled PWH self-reporting unhealthy alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption, prior three months, women ≥3, men ≥4). Primary outcomes were number of self-reported drinking days (NDD) in the prior 21 and biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) at six and nine months and viral suppression (<40 copies/mL) at nine months; we adjusted for sex and baseline outcomes.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean 21-day NDDs were 9.4 (95 % CI: 9.1-9.8), mean PEth was 407.8 ng/mL (95 % CI: 340.7-474.8), and 89.2 % were virally suppressed. At follow-up, there were significant reductions in mean NDDs for the live call versus control arm (3.5, 95 % CI:2.1-4.9, p < 0.001) and for the technology versus control arm (3.6, 95 % CI: 2.2-5.1, p < 0.001). The mean PEth differences compared to the control arm were not significant, i.e. 36.4 ng/mL (95 % CI: -117.5 to 190.3, p = 0.643) for the live call and -30.9 ng/mL (95 % CI: -194.8 to 132.9, p = 0.711) for the technology arm. Nine-month viral suppression compared to the control was similar in the live call and in the technology arm.

CONCLUSION

Intervention effects were found on self-reported NDD but not PEth or viral suppression, suggesting no treatment effect. (NCT #03928418).

Costs of a Brief Alcohol Consumption Reduction Intervention for Persons Living with HIV in Southwestern Uganda: Comparisons of Live Versus Automated Cell Phone-Based Booster Components

Low-cost interventions are needed to reduce alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) in low-income settings. Brief alcohol interventions hold promise, and technology may efficiently deliver brief intervention components with high frequency. We conducted a costing study of the components of a randomized trial that compared a counselling-based intervention with two in-person one-on-one sessions supplemented by booster sessions to reinforce the intervention among PWH with unhealthy alcohol use in southwest Uganda. Booster sessions were delivered twice weekly by two-way short message service (SMS) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR), i.e. via technology, or approximately monthly via live calls from counsellors. We found no significant intervention effects compared to the control, however the cost of the types of booster sessions differed. Start up and recurring costs for the technology-delivered booster sessions were 2.5 to 3 times the cost per participant of the live-call delivered booster intervention for 1000 participants. These results suggest technology-based interventions for PWH are unlikely to be lower cost than person-delivered interventions unless they are at very large scale.

Daily Associations Between Alcohol Consumption and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men

Alcohol consumption is one of the strongest predictors of suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), however, there is little research that has investigated both within- and between-person associations of alcohol consumption and ART adherence at the event-level. In this secondary data-analysis, (N = 22) HIV-positive MSM prospectively reported daily alcohol consumption and ART adherence for 42-days. Multilevel models demonstrated (1) days in which participants reported consuming any alcohol was associated with 2.48 increased odds of ART non-adherence, compared to days in which participants reported no alcohol consumption, and (2) there was a non-significant trend indicating days in which participants reported consuming greater than their own average levels of alcohol was associated with increased odds of ART non-adherence. Findings highlight the importance of combining intervention efforts that address alcohol consumption and suboptimal ART adherence, and indicate a need for future research to investigate the mechanisms by which alcohol influences ART adherence.

HealthCall: A randomized trial assessing a smartphone enhancement of brief interventions to reduce heavy drinking in HIV care

INTRODUCTION

Heavy drinking among people living with HIV (PLWH) worsens their health outcomes and disrupts their HIV care. Although brief interventions to reduce heavy drinking in primary care are effective, more extensive intervention may be needed in PLWH with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder. Lengthy interventions are not feasible in most HIV primary care settings, and patients seldom follow referrals to outside treatment. Utilizing visual and video features of smartphone technology, we developed the "HealthCall" app to provide continued engagement after brief intervention, reduce drinking, and improve other aspects of HIV care with minimal demands on providers. We conducted a randomized trial of its efficacy.

METHODS

The study recruited alcohol-dependent PLWH (n = 114) from a large urban HIV clinic. Using a 1:1:1 randomized design, the study assigned patients to: Motivational Interviewing (MI) plus HealthCall (n = 39); NIAAA Clinician's Guide (CG) plus HealthCall (n = 38); or CG-only (n = 37). Baseline MI and CG interventions took ~25 min, with brief (10-15 min) 30- and 60-day booster sessions. HealthCall involved daily use of the smartphone app (3-5 min/day) to report drinking and health in the prior 24 h. Outcomes assessed at 30 and 60 days and at 3, 6 and 12 months included drinks per drinking day (DpDD; primary outcome) and number of drinking days, analyzed with generalized linear mixed models and pre-planned contrasts.

RESULTS

Study retention was excellent (85%-94% across timepoints). At 30 days, DpDD among patients in MI + HealthCall, CG + HealthCall, and CG-only was 3.80, 5.28, and 5.67, respectively; patients in MI + HealthCall drank less than CG-only and CG + HealthCall (IRRs = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.84, and 0.64, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.87, respectively). At 6 months (end-of-treatment), DpDD was lower in CG + HealthCall (DpDD = 4.88) than MI + HealthCall (DpDD = 5.88) or CG-only (DpDD = 6.91), although these differences were not significant. At 12 months, DpDD was 5.73, 5.31, and 6.79 in MI + HealthCall, CG + HealthCall, and CG-only, respectively; DpDD was significantly lower in CG + HealthCall than CG-only (IRR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51, 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

During treatment, patients in MI + HealthCall had lower DpDD than patients in other conditions; however, at 12 months, drinking was lowest among patients in CG + HealthCall. Given the importance of drinking reduction and the low costs/time required for HealthCall, pairing HealthCall with brief interventions merits widespread consideration.

HIV and Substance Use in Latin America: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to explore the interplay between substance use (SU) and HIV in Latin America (LA). Database searches yielded 3481 references; 196 were included. HIV prevalence among people who used substances (PWUS) ranged from 2.8–15.2%. SU definitions were variable throughout studies, and thus data were not easily comparable. In 2019, only 2% of new HIV infections were attributed to injection drug use (IDU) in LA. Factors associated with HIV among PWUS included being female, IDU and homelessness, and PWUS were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, start antiretroviral treatment late, have poor adherence, have treatment failure, be lost to follow-up, have comorbidities, and experience higher mortality rates and lower quality of life, as has been reported in PLWH with SU in other regions. Five intervention studies were identified, and only one was effective at reducing HIV incidence in PWUS. Interventions in other regions have varying success depending on context-specific characteristics, highlighting the need to conduct more research in the LA region. Though progress has been made in establishing SU as a major concern in people living with HIV (PLWH), much more is yet to be done to reduce the burden of HIV and SU in LA.

Discrimination and alcohol problems among heavy drinking HIV-positive men who have sex with men: The buffering effect of a brief Motivational Intervention to reduce alcohol use

INTRODUCTION

Heavy alcohol use negatively impacts health outcomes among people with HIV and is especially prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Alcohol problems among MSM with HIV may occur, in part, due to increased stress caused by experiences of identity-based discrimination, such as heterosexism, HIV stigma, and racism. The current study examined (a) whether MSM with HIV who experience greater identity-based discrimination reported higher levels of alcohol problems over time in the absence of alcohol intervention, and (b) whether motivational interviewing (MI) to reduce alcohol use would attenuate the effects of discrimination on alcohol problems.

METHODS

Data came from a clinical trial in which MSM with HIV were randomized into brief MI for alcohol harm reduction [n = 89] or an HIV treatment as usual assessment only control [TAU; n = 91]. Alcohol use and problems were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Generalized Estimating Equations found a significant interaction between MI and baseline identity-based discrimination, such that in those not receiving MI, discrimination prospectively predicted alcohol problems over time (B = 0.065, SE = 0.018, p < .001, 95% Wald CI [.030- 0.100]). In those receiving MI, discrimination did not have an effect (B = - 0.002, SE = 0.131, p = .987, 95% Wald CI [- 0.258 to 0.254]).

CONCLUSIONS

Even without explicitly targeting experiences of identity-based discrimination, a person-centered intervention, like MI, appears to mitigate the negative impact of identity-based discrimination on alcohol-related problems.

Development of a Telephone-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for People Living with HIV who are Hazardous Drinkers

Alcohol use among people living with HIV (PWH) has been increasingly recognized as an important component of HIV care. Transdiagnostic treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), that target core processes common to multiple mental health and substance-related problems, may be ideal in HIV treatment settings where psychological and behavioral health comorbidities are high. In advance of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), the overall objective of this study was to systematically adapt an ACT-based intervention originally developed for smoking cessation, into an ACT intervention for PWH who drink at hazardous levels. Consistent with the ADAPT-ITT model, the adaptation progressed systematically in several phases, which included structured team meetings, three focus group discussions with PWH (N = 13), and in-depth interviews with HIV providers (N = 10), and development of standardized operating procedures for interventionist training, supervision, and eventual RCT implementation. The procedures described here offer a template for transparent reporting on early phase behavioral RCTs.

A conceptual model of alcohol use and adherence to antiretroviral therapy: systematic review and theoretical implications for mechanisms of action

Alcohol consumption is one of the most prevalent correlates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, yet causal processes underlying this association remain largely unexplored. The goal of this systematic review was to develop a conceptual model that describes the causal effect of alcohol consumption on ART nonadherence. We reviewed 230 studies that examined the association between alcohol consumption and ART adherence with three primary aims: (1) to replicate and extend previous reviews of the literature, (2) to summarize and critique study designs capable of answering questions about temporal overlap and (3) to summarize potential mechanisms of action. A model of alcohol-associated ART nonadherence was proposed to guide future work, integrating general theories of ART adherence and theory on the psychological and behavioral effects of alcohol intoxication. The conceptual model describes two mechanistic processes-prospective memory impairment and interactive toxicity beliefs/avoidance behaviors-involved in alcohol-associated intentional and unintentional nonadherence, respectively. This model can be used to guide future research on the causal processes involved in the frequently observed correlation between alcohol consumption and adherence.

The Role of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Research in the Design of HIV Secondary Prevention Interventions in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy: Targeted Research Priorities Moving Forward

HIV secondary prevention focuses on averting onward HIV transmission, which can be realized when people living with HIV enact requisite HIV care continuum-related behaviors to achieve viral suppression, and engage in condom-protected sex when virally unsuppressed. Alcohol has been detrimentally linked to all aspects of HIV secondary prevention, and although a growing number of behavioral interventions account for and address alcohol use within this realm, further efforts are needed to fully realize the potential of such initiatives. The present article proposes a series of targeted priorities to inform the future design, implementation, and evaluation of alcohol-related behavioral intervention research within the scope of HIV secondary prevention. These priorities and corresponding approaches account for the challenges of resource-constrained clinic environments; capitalize on technology; and address key comorbidities. This framework provides the foundation for a range of alcohol-related behavioral interventions that could potentially enhance global HIV secondary prevention efforts in the years ahead.

Alcohol, smoking, recreational drug use and association with virological outcomes among people living with HIV: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

OBJECTIVES

There is increasing evidence to suggest that people living with HIV (PLWH) have significant morbidity from alcohol, recreational drug use and cigarette smoking. Our aim was to report associations of these factors with antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-adherence, viral non-suppression and subsequent viral rebound in PLWH.

METHODS

The Antiretroviral Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitudes (ASTRA) study recruited PLWH attending eight outpatient clinics in England between February 2011 and December 2012. Data included self-reported excessive drinking (estimated consumption of > 20 units of alcohol/week), alcohol dependency (CAGE score ≥ 2 with current alcohol consumption), recreational drug use (including injection drug use in the past 3 months), and smoking status. Among participants established on ART, cross-sectional associations with ART non-adherence [missing ≥2 consecutive days of ART on ≥2 occasions in the past three months] and viral-non suppression [viral load (VL) > 50 copies/mL] were assessed using logistic regression. In participants from one centre, longitudinal associations with subsequent viral rebound (first VL > 200 copies/mL) in those on ART with VL ≤ 50 copies/mL at baseline were assessed using Cox regression during a 7-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 3258 PLWH, 2248 (69.0%) were men who have sex with men, 373 (11.4%) were heterosexual men, and 637 (19.6%) were women. A CAGE score ≥ 2 was found in 568 (17.6%) participants, 325 (10.1%) drank > 20 units/week, 1011 (31.5%) currently smoked, 1242 (38.1%) used recreational drugs and 74 (2.3%) reported injection drug use. In each case, prevalence was much more common among men than among women. Among 2459 people on ART who started at least 6 months previously, a CAGE score ≥ 2, drinking > 20 units per week, current smoking, injection and non-injection drug use were all associated with ART non-adherence. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, CAGE score ≥ 2 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-2.13], current smoking (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10-2.17) and injection drug use (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.00-4.47) were associated with viral non-suppression. During follow-up of a subset of 592 people virally suppressed at recruitment, a CAGE score ≥ 2 [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.03-2.74], use of 3 or more non-injection drugs (aHR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.12-3.57) and injection drug use (aHR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.08-6.89) were associated with viral rebound.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening and treatment for alcohol, cigarette and drug use should be integrated into HIV outpatient clinics, while clinicians should be alert to the potential for poorer virological outcomes.

Alcohol Use and the Risk of Communicable Diseases

The body of knowledge on alcohol use and communicable diseases has been growing in recent years. Using a narrative review approach, this paper discusses alcohol's role in the acquisition of and treatment outcomes from four different communicable diseases: these include three conditions included in comparative risk assessments to date-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and lower respiratory infections/pneumonia-as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of its recent and rapid ascension as a global health concern. Alcohol-attributable TB, HIV, and pneumonia combined were responsible for approximately 360,000 deaths and 13 million disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) in 2016, with alcohol-attributable TB deaths and DALYs predominating. There is strong evidence that alcohol is associated with increased incidence of and poorer treatment outcomes from HIV, TB, and pneumonia, via both behavioral and biological mechanisms. Preliminary studies suggest that heavy drinkers and those with alcohol use disorders are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness. Aside from HIV research, limited research exists that can guide interventions for addressing alcohol-attributable TB and pneumonia or COVID-19. Implementation of effective individual-level interventions and alcohol control policies as a means of reducing the burden of communicable diseases is recommended.

Targeting cancer prevention and screening interventions to LGBTQ communities: A scoping review

Although some people within LGBTQ communities are at risk of developing some cancers at higher rates than non-LGBTQ people, there is limited evidence of the outcomes of targeted cancer prevention and screening interventions for these communities. This scoping review examined key findings regarding the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of evaluated intervention studies conducted in high income settings and published in peer reviewed literature (2014-2020) by combining evidence of both cancer risk-reducing behavioural interventions and screening and preventative practice interventions. While there is limited evidence of stronger outcomes from targeted interventions with cohorts of gender and sexuality diverse communities, compared with the use of mainstream or untailored interventions, there is stronger evidence that targeted interventions are more acceptable to these communities and may be more feasible in some contexts. Thus, there is benefit in understanding what targeting entails in these interventions, and to understand what influences acceptability, to inform the design and delivery of such interventions.

Current Interventions for People Living with HIV Who Use Alcohol: Why Gender Matters

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Alcohol is the most misused substance in the world. For people living with HIV (PLWH), alcohol misuse may impact ART adherence and viral suppression. This review of the most recently published alcohol intervention studies with PLWH examines how these studies considered gender in the samples, design, and analyses.

RECENT FINDINGS

Three searches were conducted initially, and 13 intervention studies fit our criteria with alcohol outcomes. In general, most studies did not consider gender and had used small samples, and few demonstrated significant efficacy/effectiveness outcomes. Five studies considered gender in their samples or analyses and/or were woman-focused with larger samples and demonstrated significant outcomes. It is essential for women who misuse alcohol to not only be well represented in alcohol and HIV research but also for studies to consider the barriers to reaching them and their contextual demands and/or co-occurring issues that may affect participation and outcomes in intervention research.

Effectiveness of a psychological intervention delivered by general nurses for alcohol use disorders in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe: a cluster randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

There have been very few randomized clinical trials of interventions for alcohol use disorders (AUD) in people living with HIV (PLWH) in African countries. This is despite the fact that alcohol use is one of the modifiable risk factors for poor virological control in PLWH on antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

Sixteen clinic clusters in Zimbabwe were selected through stratified randomization and randomized 1: 1 to Intervention and Control arms. Inclusion criteria for individual participants were being adult, living with HIV and a probable alcohol use disorder as defined by a score of 6 (women) or 7 (men) on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). In the Intervention clusters, participants received 8 to 10 sessions of Motivational Interviewing blended with brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MI-CBT). In the control clusters, participants received four Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) sessions based on the alcohol treatment module from the World Health Organisation mhGAP intervention guide. General Nurses from the clinics were trained to deliver both treatments. The primary outcome was a change in AUDIT score at six-month post-randomization. Viral load, functioning and quality of life were secondary outcomes. A random-effects analysis-of-covariance model was used to account for the cluster design.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-four participants (n = 108 intervention and n = 126 control) were enrolled across 16 clinics. Participants were recruited from November 2016 to November 2017 and followed through to May 2018. Their mean age was 43.3 years (SD = 9.1) and 78.6% (n = 184) were male. At six months, the mean AUDIT score fell by -6.15 (95% CI -6.32; -6.00) in the MI-CBT arm, compared to a fall of - 3.09 95 % CI - 3.21; -2.93) in the EUC arm (mean difference -3.09 (95% CI -4.53 to -1.23) (p = 0.05). Viral load reduced and quality of life and functioning improved in both arms but the difference between arms was non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions for hazardous drinking and AUD comprising brief, multiple alcohol treatment sessions delivered by nurses in public HIV facilities in low-income African countries can reduce problematic drinking among PLWH. Such interventions should be integrated into the primary care management of AUD and HIV and delivered by non-specialist providers. Research is needed on cost-effectiveness and implementation of such interventions, and on validation of cut-points for alcohol use scales in low resource settings, in partnership with those with lived experience of HIV and AUD.

Effect of 2 Integrated Interventions on Alcohol Abstinence and Viral Suppression Among Vietnamese Adults With Hazardous Alcohol Use and HIV: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Hazardous and heavy alcohol use is common among people living with HIV and may decrease antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, but limited data exist from randomized clinical trials about the effects of interventions on viral load.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of 2 scalable ART clinic-based interventions on alcohol use and viral suppression.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This 3-group randomized clinical trial was conducted among 440 adults with HIV who were being treated at 7 ART clinics in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. Adults receiving ART with hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption score ≥4 for men or ≥3 for women) and no plans to leave Thai Nguyen were included. Data were collected from March 2016 to May 2018 and analyzed from June 2018 to February 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to standard of care (SOC), a combined intervention of motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (6 in-person sessions of 1 hour each and 3 optional group sessions), or a brief intervention with similar components as the combined intervention but consisting of 2 shorter in-person sessions and 2 telephone sessions.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary study outcomes were percentage of days abstinent from alcohol, confirmed using the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol, and viral suppression at 12 months after enrollment.

RESULTS

A total of 440 eligible individuals (mean [SD] age, 40.2 [5.8] years; 426 [96.8%] men) were enrolled; 147 (33.4%) were assigned to the combined intervention, 147 (33.4%) to the brief intervention, and 146 (33.2%) to SOC. In the combined intervention group, 112 participants (76.2%) attended all 6 sessions, and in the brief intervention group, 124 (84.4%) attended all 4 sessions; in the whole sample, 390 (88.6%) completed 12 months of follow-up. At 12 months, the mean (SE) percentage of days abstinent was 65% (3.1%) among those in the combined intervention group, 65% (3.2%) among those in the brief intervention group, and 50% (3.4%) among those in the in the SOC group (Cohen d for combined intervention vs SOC and brief intervention vs SOC: 39%; 95% CI, 15% to 64%). Viral suppression (ie, <20 copies of HIV-1 RNA per milliliter) at 12 months was higher after the brief intervention than SOC (difference, 11%; 95% CI, 2% to 20%), but the difference between the combined intervention and SOC was not significantly different (difference, 5%; 95%, CI, -5% to 15%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, the brief intervention resulted in a significant increase in percentage of days abstinent from alcohol and a significant increase in viral suppression after 12 months. Future implementation science studies evaluating scale-up of the brief intervention are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02720237.

Contribution of Behavioral Health Factors to Non-AIDS-Related Comorbidities: an Updated Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We summarize recent literature on the contribution of substance use and depression to non-AIDS-related comorbidities. Discussion of recent randomized clinical trials and implementation research to curtail risk attributed to each behavioral health issue is provided.

RECENT FINDINGS

Smoking, unhealthy alcohol use, opioid use, and depression are common among PWH and individually contribute to increased risk for non-AIDS-related comorbidities. The concurrence of these conditions is notable, yet understudied, and provides opportunity for linked-screening and potential treatment of more than one behavioral health factor. Current results from randomized clinical trials are inconsistent. Investigating interventions to reduce the impact of these behavioral health conditions with a focus on implementation into clinical care is important. Non-AIDS-defining cancers, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and diabetes are leading causes of morbidity in people with HIV. Behavioral health factors including substance use and mental health issues, often co-occurring, likely contribute to the excess risk of non-AIDS-related comorbidities.