Computer-based Intervention for Alcohol-using HIV/HCV+ Women

Women co-infected with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are at elevated risk for adverse health outcomes associated with alcohol use. Evidence-based alcohol reduction interventions for this vulnerable population are limited. To address this gap, the study harnessed the multidisciplinary expertise and experience of collaborative Russian-U.S. research team to develop a brief, computer-based, alcohol reduction intervention tailored for HIV/HCV co-infected women and evaluate its efficacy. The study was conducted in three sequential stages: (1) Adaptation, (2) Implementation, and (3) Evaluation. Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) adapted computer-based alcohol reduction intervention PLUS PLUS provider-delivered brief motivational counseling, or (2) provider-delivered brief motivational counseling. The trial design and analysis provide an appropriate conceptual and methodological framework to assess the efficacy of the computer-based intervention. The intervention, if effective, may be an efficient and cost-effective alcohol reduction strategy that is scalable and can be readily disseminated and integrated in clinical care at other AIDS Centres in Russia to enhance women's health and reduce HIV/HCV transmission risk.