Advancing Behavioral HIV Prevention: Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention for People Living with HIV and Alcohol...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
• AUDs negatively affect HIV risk behaviors, treatment adherence, and disease progression.
• Effective interventions for AUDs in PLWHA are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an evidence-based intervention (Holistic Health Recovery Program - HHRP+) for PLWHA with problematic drinking.
• To focus the adapted intervention on secondary HIV prevention and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Main Methods:

• Conducted focus groups with PLWHA who consume alcohol and their treatment providers in New Orleans.
• Utilized the ADAPT-ITT strategy for intervention adaptation.
• Analyzed qualitative data to identify key themes influencing alcohol consumption and intervention needs.

Main Results:

• Negative mood states, psychosocial stress, and cultural norms contribute to heavy alcohol consumption in PLWHA.
• Limited outpatient AUD treatment options and common misperceptions about alcohol-HIV interactions were identified.
• PLWHA expressed interest in understanding alcohol's impact on ART adherence and HIV progression.

Conclusions:

• The findings informed the design of an adapted evidence-based intervention for PLWHA with AUDs.
• Addressing mood, stress, cultural factors, and misconceptions is crucial for effective AUD treatment in this population.
• The adapted intervention aims to improve secondary HIV prevention and ART adherence.