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

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Hutton, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Disqualifiers: Pregnant, Non-English, Psychotic, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assist women with or at risk for HIV who struggle with unhealthy alcohol use. It evaluates a computer-based program (CBI-CC with peer navigation), combined with support from a peer with similar experiences, to determine its effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption and improving health service connections and HIV prevention. Women who may qualify have HIV or are at risk, consume more than 7 drinks per week or 3 in one sitting, and have engaged in risky behaviors, such as sex under the influence, in the past year. Those who face these issues and can read and understand English might find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to innovative support strategies for women facing similar challenges.

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 prior data suggests that this computer-based intervention with peer support is safe?

Research has shown that computer-based programs can reduce substance use and are well-received by participants. A study on peer support for people with HIV and AIDS found that it helps them stay engaged with health services and adhere to their treatment. Another study demonstrated that digital peer support can encourage healthy habits, such as regular HIV prevention and care.

The CBI-CC with peer navigation approach combines these concepts, using computer-based assistance alongside peer support. This combination has succeeded in other contexts, helping people adhere to treatments and remain engaged with health services.

Although specific safety data for this exact approach is unavailable, similar programs are generally safe. Participants often find the support beneficial, and related studies do not commonly report serious side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention with peer navigation (CBI-CC) because it offers a fresh approach to addressing alcohol abuse among individuals with HIV/AIDS. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on face-to-face counseling or medication, this intervention is computer-based, making it more accessible and potentially reducing stigma. The inclusion of peer navigation is another standout feature, as it provides personalized support and guidance from someone who has shared similar experiences, which can enhance engagement and motivation. This combination could offer a more flexible, supportive way to manage alcohol use disorder in this population.

What evidence suggests that this computer-based intervention is effective for alcohol use among women with HIV?

Research has shown that short, computer-based programs can help people with HIV reduce alcohol consumption. These programs decrease both the number of drinking days and the frequency of heavy drinking. For individuals with HIV, drinking less can improve health and enhance quality of life. In this trial, participants will receive a Computer-delivered brief alcohol intervention (CBI-CC) with peer navigation. The program includes peer support, which helps participants remain committed and use health services more effectively. Although some studies found only a small impact on reducing alcohol use, they reported success in lowering risky sexual behavior, which is crucial for preventing the spread of HIV. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Geetanjali Chander

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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)

Unable to receive text messages

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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Results from a peer-based digital systems navigation ...

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of an evidence-based peer and mHealth delivered systems navigation intervention for increasing human ...