“Moving Forward with Life”: Acceptability of a Brief Alcohol Reduction Intervention for People Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa

Bronwyn Myers, Charles D.H. Parry, Neo K. Morojele, Sebenzile Nkosi, Paul A. Shuper, Connie T. Kekwaletswe, Katherine R. Sorsdahl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, interventions are needed to address the impact of hazardous drinking on antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV (PLWH). Participant feedback about these interventions can identify ways to enhance their acceptability. We interviewed participants in a randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing and problem-solving therapy (MI-PST) intervention about their perceptions of this alcohol-reduction intervention. Methods: The trial was conducted in HIV treatment clinics operating from six hospitals in the Tshwane region of South Africa. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with a random selection of participants. Twenty-four participants were interviewed after the final intervention session and 25 at the six-month follow up. Results: Participants believed that it was acceptable to offer PLWH, an alcohol reduction intervention during HIV treatment. They described how the MI-PST intervention had helped them reduce their alcohol consumption. Intervention components providing information on the health benefits of reduced consumption and building problem-solving and coping skills were perceived as most beneficial. Despite these perceived benefits, participants suggested minor modifications to the dosage, content, and delivery of the intervention for greater acceptability and impact. Conclusions: Findings highlight the acceptability and usefulness of this MI-PST intervention for facilitating reductions in alcohol consumption among PLWH.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5706
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume17
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • Alcohol reduction
  • Anti-retroviral therapy
  • Global mental health
  • HIV
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Problem-solving therapy
  • South Africa

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pollution
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '“Moving Forward with Life”: Acceptability of a Brief Alcohol Reduction Intervention for People Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this