The PEth Results Communication Study

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of incorporating phosphatidylethanol (PEth) biomarker testing into brief alcohol interventions (BI) for persons with HIV (PWH) and unhealthy alcohol use in Uganda. A total of 80 participants will be enrolled in the RCT and will be randomized in blocks of 8 to receive either: (1) a PEth-boosted BI, which integrates PEth test results into the Ministry of Health (MOH) standard BI protocol, or (2) the standard MOH BI alone. Follow-up will occur over 3 months. Primary outcomes include acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility, assessed via validated and adapted survey tools. Secondary outcomes include changes in readiness to reduce alcohol use, self-reported alcohol use (AUDIT-C), PEth levels, alcohol-related problems, and stigma (internalized HIV stigma and alcohol-related stigma from healthcare providers). Participants will complete a baseline and 3-month follow-up survey. Data will be collected via interviewer-administered surveys using REDCap in English or Runyankole (the local language in Mbarara, Uganda). This trial will provide pilot data to inform the design of a larger effectiveness trial and identify strategies for integrating PEth testing into routine HIV care to improve alcohol-related outcomes.