Couple-Based Motivational Interviewing With Mobile Breathalyzers to Reduce Alcohol Use in South Africa

Couple-Based Motivational Interviewing With Mobile Breathalyzers to Reduce Alcohol Use in South Africa

This project aims to develop and pilot test an intervention using couple-based motivational interviewing (MI) and mobile breathalyzers to reduce heavy alcohol use with couples living with HIV in South Africa.

This project aims to develop and test an alcohol intervention using couple-based motivational interviewing (MI) and mobile breathalyzers to build dyadic support around drinking in HIV-affected couples in South Africa. Specifically, the study aims to: 1) To develop a couple-based MI intervention with mobile breathalyzer technology to deliver real-time feedback on BAC levels. We will target heavy alcohol users with HIV and enroll their primary partner; 2) to develop and pilot test the study procedures for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the couple-based intervention; and 3) to determine the feasibility and acceptability (F&A) of couple-based MI as a standalone intervention and when combined with mobile breathalyzers to provide real-time feedback and support to couples. We will also conduct qualitative interviews with a subset of 15 couples to contextualize F&A data and refine our procedures. Our goal is to demonstrate a proof-of-concept for the proposed intervention, which if shown to be feasible and acceptable, may provide a scalable intervention to reduce heavy alcohol consumption and improve HIV treatment outcomes for couples in South Africa.

Inclusion Criteria:

• in a primary relationship for at least 6 months
• aged 18-49
• have at least one partner (the "index patient") with a positive AUDIT-C screen score
• has been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months
• has disclosed HIV status to their partner

Exclusion Criteria:

• Report severe intimate partner violence in the past 3 months and/or fear that their safety would be at risk (reported during screening)