Enhancing HIV Prevention and Reducing Alcohol Use Among People Receiving STI Care in Lilongwe, Malawi: A Pilot Implementation Study
Purpose: To evaluate short-term efficacy and implementation of Treat4All, an alcohol reduction evidence-based intervention, for decreasing heavy drinking and optimizing HIV outcomes (viral suppression among People with HIV (PWH); Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among those at high risk of HIV) Participants: Approximately 160 participants aged 18 years or older will be enrolled into this study. Eligible participants will be recruited from two groups of individuals: Persons at risk of HIV: Individuals receiving (STI) care who report recent heavy drinking (n=80) and no recent use of PrEP. Persons with HIV: Individuals with HIV who report recent heavy drinking and either a history of unsuppressed viral load or recent suboptimal adherence to ART (n=80). Procedures (methods): Pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial (1:1; Treat4All Intervention vs Usual Care)
• Men and women age 18 years or older.
• Receiving care at Bwaila STI clinic.
• Report recent heavy drinking (greater than or equal to 4 drinks a day in the past 30 days for men and greater than or equal to 3 drinks a day in the past 30 days for women
• Willing to receive an HIV test at study enrollment, if not previously diagnosed Report not taking ART, recent suboptimal adherence to ART, or recent history of unsuppressed HIV viral load \[for PWH\] or no recent oral PrEP use (self-reported taking no PrEP pills in past 7 days) \[for those at risk of HIV\]
• Plan to reside in the Lilongwe area for at least 6 months.
• Not participating in other HIV or alcohol programs
• Ability and willingness of participant to provide informed consent.
• Willingness to provide contact/locator information to be contacted for follow up study activities.