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.
Highlights
Despite an extensive HIV prevention and treatment program, South Africa continues to have one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics
This qualitative process evaluation is nested within a larger randomized trial of an alcohol reduction intervention
Similar themes emerged for participants interviewed post-intervention and at the six-month follow-up (6MFU), participants at the 6MFU provided a richer description of the usefulness of the intervention and were able to provide concrete examples of how they had applied specific skills learned during the intervention to facilitate behavioral change
Summary
Despite an extensive HIV prevention and treatment program, South Africa continues to have one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics. 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. 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.
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