Behavioral Counseling Intervention Trial to Reduce Alcohol-related Sexual Risk Behavior Among HIV-negative Men in Namibia
Alcohol Consumption, Alcohol Abuse, HIV
About this trial
This is an interventional prevention trial for Alcohol Consumption focused on measuring Namibia, Alcohol, HIV, Sexual risk
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Self reported HIV negative status after testing at the Council of Churches Namibia (CCN) NewStart VCT center
- More than 1 sexual partner in the past 6 months
- AUDIT screen score 8 to 19
- Able to provide informed consent
- Access to a cell phone to retrieve private text messages and calls
- Plans to stay in the local area for 6 months
- Able to verbally communicate in English, Oshiwambo, or Afrikaans
Exclusion Criteria:
- Self reported HIV positive status after testing at the CCN NewStart VCT center
- Less than 1 sexual partner in the past 6 months
- AUDIT screen score less than 8 or greater than 20
- Unable to provide informed consent to participate to enroll in the study
- Unable to retrieve private cell phone text messages and calls
- Unable to verbally communicate in English, Oshiwambo, or Afrikaans
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Intervention
Control
The intervention consists of a 1-hour individual counseling session relating to alcohol consumption and HIV sexual risk behaviors. Intervention counselors will assess alcohol-related sexual risk behaviors through the use of job aids that include a flip chart, guided scripts, activities, role plays, and a take home booklet. Counselors use motivational interviewing and interactive activities to discuss alcohol and HIV myths and facts, participants personal risk behaviors, and a decision-making activity that assists participants in weighing the pros and cons of engaging in risky behavior. Counselors also facilitate role plays to improve communication skills in risky situations, as well as a condom demonstration and skills session, and goal setting. In addition, men in the intervention arm will also receive two cell phone text messages 1-month and 4-months following enrollment to reiterate risk reduction messages.
Participants assigned to the control arm will be given a general alcohol information booklet and an alcohol abuse support services brochure. The alcohol information booklet contains information about responsible drinking, signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse, advice and guidance to reduce alcohol intake, and resources for assistance. The alcohol support services brochure contains times, dates, and locations of peer support and counseling services in the Windhoek region.