“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 and Katherine R. Sorsdahl
Additional contact information
Bronwyn Myers: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Charles D. H. Parry: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Neo K. Morojele: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Sebenzile Nkosi: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Paul A. Shuper: Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T1R8, Canada
Connie T. Kekwaletswe: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Katherine R. Sorsdahl: Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-14

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.

Keywords: South Africa; alcohol reduction; anti-retroviral therapy; motivational interviewing; problem-solving therapy; HIV; global mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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