Understanding Patients’ Experiences with a Brief Alcohol Reduction Intervention among People Living with HIV in Uganda

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID21646091
AuthorsMargaret W Gichane (0000-0001-8499-154X, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA, corresponding author), Carol S Camlin (0000-0001-5615-1164, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA), Monica Getahun (0000-0002-2116-2637, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA), Nneka Emenyonu (0000-0003-4376-7810, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA), Sarah E Woolf-King (0000-0002-5612-1114, Syracuse University), Sarah Woolf-King (Syracuse University), Naomi Sanyu (Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda), Anita Katusiime (Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda), Robin Fatch (0000-0002-8423-3471, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA), Winnie Muyindike (0000-0002-6694-2645, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara, Uganda), Judith A Hahn (0000-0002-2697-8264, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA)
Year2023
Volume58
Issue13
Pages1714-1721
Publication date2023-11-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2023.2244066
PMID37551890
OpenAlexW4385659831
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited37

Background: Brief alcohol reduction interventions for people living with HIV (PLWH) have resulted in mixed findings with some studies showing null or limited treatment effects. To better understand factors that may contribute to their success or failure, this qualitative study sought to explore participants’ experiences in a randomized trial (RCT) of a brief counseling-based alcohol reduction intervention, including challenges that may have impeded alcohol reduction. Methods: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 24 PLWH engaging in unhealthy alcohol use, who were enrolled in an RCT to reduce alcohol consumption conducted in southwestern Uganda in 2019–2020 (NCT03928418). We used a collaborative thematic approach to analyze data from transcribed and translated audio recordings. Results: Perceived benefits of the intervention included increased awareness of alcohol use and its impact on personal finances, the relationship between alcohol use and violence, and a commitment to drinking reduction. Participants experienced several barriers to decreasing their alcohol use, including: prevailing social norms about alcohol use, lack of social support, and economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Factors in the immediate contexts of PLWH in low-income settings, including social norms influencing alcohol consumption and lack of social support, may impede the impact of alcohol reduction interventions, especially during times of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic

Alcohol · Environmental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Randomized controlled trial · Social support · Thematic analysis · Clinical Psychology · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology