Healthy Choices Intervention to Address Stigma, Alcohol Use, and Self-Management in Spanish-Speaking Young People...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Global Health
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Young people with HIV face significant challenges including poor health outcomes, stigma, and substance use.
• Existing interventions like Healthy Choices show promise but require adaptation for diverse populations.
• There is a critical need for culturally adapted interventions for Spanish-speaking youth with HIV in the Dominican Republic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the Healthy Choices intervention for Spanish-speaking young people with HIV in the Dominican Republic.
• To pilot-test the adapted intervention, assessing feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact.
• To inform future large-scale trials and improve HIV care continuum outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework.
• Conducting focus groups and interviews to identify adaptation needs and implementation strategies.
• Co-design workshops with community partners and a youth advisory board for contextual translation and adaptation.
• Pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 45 participants comparing adapted intervention to a time-attention control.

Main Results:

• Formative partnership development and key-informant consultations are complete.
• The study is proceeding with qualitative exploration, intervention adaptation, and peer navigator training.
• Pilot trial results are anticipated following the completion of follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• This study employs an implementation science approach to adapt and test a vital intervention for young people with HIV in the Dominican Republic.
• The adapted intervention has translational potential for Spanish-speaking populations globally, including in the United States.
• Successful pilot testing will provide preliminary data for a future effectiveness-implementation trial.