Efficacy of a Single, Brief Alcohol Reduction Intervention among Men and Women Living with HIV/AIDS and Using Alcohol in Kampala, Uganda: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective We evaluated the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention (MI) counseling in reducing alcohol consumption among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Kampala-Uganda. Methods PLWHA attending an outpatient HIV clinic with alcohol disorders identification test-Consumption component (AUDIT-C) score ≥3 points were randomized to either standardized positive prevention counseling alone or in combination with alcohol brief MI counseling. Mean change in AUDIT-C scores over 6 months were compared by treatment arm. RESULTS The mean (SD) AUDIT-C scores were 6.3(2.3) and 6.8(2.3), for control and MI arms (p=0.1) at baseline and change in mean AUDIT-C score was not statistically different between the treatment arms over the 6 months follow up time (P=0.8). CONCLUSION There was a non-differential reduction in alcohol consumption in both intervention and control arms. Standard positive prevention counseling should be provided to all PLWHA who use alcohol. Studies with more than one counseling session need to be evaluated. Clinical trials.gov trial identifier: NCT01802736.

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