Computer-Based Intervention + Peer Support for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Abuse

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Hutton, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Unhealthy alcohol use among women with and at risk for HIV can interrupt critical steps in the HIV prevention and care continuum, is associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors, and contributes to health disparities. Thus it is critical to accurately identify alcohol use and implement alcohol interventions among women with and at risk for HIV to optimize health outcomes. The proposed pilot study will examine the implementation and effects of a computer delivered brief alcohol intervention with peer navigation/Community Health Worker compared to usual care on alcohol use, linkage to health services, and uptake of HIV prevention practices.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment CBI-CC with peer navigation for HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse?

Research shows that computer-delivered interventions can help reduce alcohol use among people with HIV, leading to better health outcomes. A study found that a computerized brief intervention led to a significant reduction in alcohol consumption among participants, suggesting that similar approaches like CBI-CC with peer navigation could be effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Computer-Based Intervention + Peer Support for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Abuse safe for humans?

The studies on computer-based interventions for people with HIV and alcohol use show that participants generally report high satisfaction and no significant safety concerns have been noted. These interventions have been used in clinical settings and involve techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) delivered through technology, which have been well-received by patients. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

How is the CBI-CC with peer navigation treatment different from other treatments for HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse?

This treatment is unique because it combines a computer-based intervention (CBI) with peer support, which can provide anonymity and increase engagement, making it easier for people with HIV and alcohol abuse issues to access and stick with the treatment. Unlike traditional methods, it leverages technology to deliver care and support, potentially overcoming barriers to access in clinic settings. ^{1 8 9 10 11}

Research Team

Geetanjali Chander

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking women over 18 with or at risk for HIV who drink heavily, defined as more than 7 drinks per week or more than 3 on one occasion. They must be able to read at a fifth-grade level and use text messaging. Pregnant women, non-English speakers, those unable to receive texts, and individuals with active psychosis are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Women who engage in risky sexual behaviors or illicit drug use within the past year are included in the study.

I am a woman over 18 years old and at risk for or living with HIV.

Able to understand English

Exclusion Criteria

I am mentally capable of participating in a computer-based intervention.

Pregnant (will be referred immediately to alcohol, mental health, substance use treatment as needed)

I do not speak English.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention with peer navigation

3 months

Regular sessions as per intervention protocol

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• CBI-CC with peer navigation

Trial Overview The study tests a computer-based brief alcohol intervention paired with peer navigation against usual care. It aims to reduce alcohol use among participants, improve their connection to health services, and increase adoption of HIV prevention behaviors.

Participant Groups

Group I: Computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention (CBI-CC) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be offered only the Computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention with peer navigation from beginning of study to the end.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,366

Recruited

15,160,000+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Findings from Research

42% of non-treatment seeking individuals living with HIV (PLWH) and alcohol misuse agreed to participate in a computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention (CBI) in their primary care clinic, indicating a significant interest in addressing alcohol use.

Participants who agreed to CBI were more likely to have detectable viral loads and higher levels of alcohol use and mental health symptoms, suggesting that CBI effectively targets those most in need of support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of Computer-delivered Brief Alcohol Intervention in HIV Clinical Settings: Who Agrees to Participate? Yang, C., Crane, HM., Cropsey, K., et al.[2022]

The MI+HealthCall intervention, which combines Motivational Interviewing with smartphone technology, showed high feasibility with a 95% daily use rate and excellent patient satisfaction (4.5 out of 5) among adults living with HIV.

Participants using MI+HealthCall experienced significantly greater reductions in drug use and spending compared to those receiving only Motivational Interviewing, indicating its potential effectiveness in addressing substance use issues that can hinder HIV treatment adherence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HealthCall delivered via smartphone to reduce co-occurring drug and alcohol use in HIV-infected adults: A randomized pilot trial. Aharonovich, E., Stohl, M., Cannizzaro, D., et al.[2020]

In a study involving 816 eligible patients with HIV and hazardous alcohol use, a computerized brief intervention (CBI) led to a significant average reduction of 9.1 drinks per week over 4-12 months, indicating its efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption.

Among participants who engaged with the CBI, the reduction was even greater at 11.7 drinks per week, and the intervention was well-received, especially by older and Black patients, highlighting its potential as a practical tool for alcohol reduction in this high-risk group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Decreased Alcohol Consumption in an Implementation Study of Computerized Brief Intervention among HIV Patients in Clinical Care. McCaul, ME., Hutton, HE., Cropsey, KL., et al.[2022]

A study involving 739 Michigan Army National Guard members found that both web-based and peer-based brief interventions significantly reduced binge drinking episodes compared to enhanced usual care after 12 months.

The peer-based intervention was particularly effective, showing a greater reduction in binge drinking (-0.43) compared to the web-based intervention (-0.34), indicating that personal support may enhance the effectiveness of alcohol use interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer- and web-based interventions for risky drinking among US National Guard members: Mission Strong randomized controlled trial. Blow, FC., Walton, M., Ilgen, M., et al.[2023]

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Digital Counselor-Delivered Intervention for Substance Use Among People With HIV: Development and Usability Study. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of Computer-delivered Brief Alcohol Intervention in HIV Clinical Settings: Who Agrees to Participate? [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HealthCall delivered via smartphone to reduce co-occurring drug and alcohol use in HIV-infected adults: A randomized pilot trial. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors for Poor Linkage to Care Among Hospitalized Persons Living with HIV and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Decreased Alcohol Consumption in an Implementation Study of Computerized Brief Intervention among HIV Patients in Clinical Care. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HealthCall: A randomized trial assessing a smartphone enhancement of brief interventions to reduce heavy drinking in HIV care. [2023]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer- and web-based interventions for risky drinking among US National Guard members: Mission Strong randomized controlled trial. [2023]

8. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer delivered intervention for alcohol and sexual risk reduction among women attending an urban sexually transmitted infection clinic: A randomized controlled trial. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Interactive Web-Based Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment in an Urban, Safety-Net HIV Clinic. [2018]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A peer-based substance abuse intervention for HIV+ rural women: a pilot study. [2019]