Computer-based Intervention for Alcohol-using HIV/HCV+ Women
Condition: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Hepatitis C; Alcohol Abuse
MeSH terms: Hepatitis C; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; HIV Infections; Hepatitis; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Alcoholism
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study harnessed the multidisciplinary expertise of our research team to develop a brief,
      computer-based, alcohol reduction intervention tailored for HIV/HCV co-infected women and
      evaluate its efficacy. The intervention, if effective, may be an efficient and cost-effective
      alcohol reduction strategy, that is scalable and can be readily disseminated and integrated
      in clinical care at other AIDS Centres in Russia to enhance women's health and reduce HIV/HCV
      transmission risk.
    

Detailed description: 
      Women co-infected with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are at
      elevated risk for adverse health outcomes associated with alcohol use. Evidence-based alcohol
      reduction interventions for this vulnerable population are limited. To address this gap, the
      study harnessed the multidisciplinary expertise and experience of collaborative Russian-U.S.
      research team to develop a brief, computer-based, alcohol reduction intervention tailored for
      HIV/HCV co-infected women and evaluate its efficacy. The study was conducted in three
      sequential stages: (1) Adaptation, (2) Implementation, and (3) Evaluation. Participants will
      be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) adapted computer-based alcohol reduction
      intervention PLUS PLUS provider-delivered brief motivational counseling, or (2)
      provider-delivered brief motivational counseling. The trial design and analysis provide an
      appropriate conceptual and methodological framework to assess the efficacy of the
      computer-based intervention. The intervention, if effective, may be an efficient and
      cost-effective alcohol reduction strategy that is scalable and can be readily disseminated
      and integrated in clinical care at other AIDS Centres in Russia to enhance women's health and
      reduce HIV/HCV transmission risk.
    

Intervention name(s): Computer-based alcohol reduction intervention; Brief clinician-delivered MET; Standard of care
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Brief computer-based version of motivation enhancement therapy (MET) used in conjunction with clinician-delivered MET and standard clinical care for current substance users. Modules and follow up assignments focus on key concepts in substance use, including cravings, problem solving and decision making skills. The multimedia presentation, based on elementary level computer learning games, requires no previous experience with computers.The intervention was adapted to be linguistically, gender- and HIV/HCV-appropriate for Russian women living with HIV/HCV.; Clinician-delivered MET used in conjunction with standard clinical care for current substance users. The brief intervention is focused on goals, cravings, problem-solving and decision-making. The intervention was adapted to be linguistically, gender- and HIV/HCV-appropriate for Russian women living with HIV/HCV.; Clinicians ask about substance use and provide evidence-based recommendations promoting abstinence.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Health Services Research
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Hepatitis C; Computer Intervention; Alcoholism; Women; Russia