An Economic and Relationship-strengthening Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use in Malawi

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · Apr 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called Mlambe, is studying a program designed to help married couples in Malawi who are affected by HIV and have issues with alcohol use. The program focuses on improving financial skills and relationship communication to reduce heavy drinking and break the cycle of poverty that can lead to alcohol abuse. Researchers want to see if this approach is effective and cost-efficient in helping couples support each other better while managing their health.

To participate in the trial, couples must be married or living together, with at least one partner showing signs of problem drinking in the past three months and currently receiving treatment for HIV. It's important that both partners are open about their HIV status with each other. Couples dealing with serious issues like violence or those who took part in an earlier study will not be included. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in activities focused on saving money, learning about finances, and enhancing their relationship skills, all aimed at reducing alcohol use and improving their overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. In a married or cohabitating union
• • 2. Have at least one partner with a positive AUDIT-C screen in prior 3 months
• • 3. Must also currently be on ART for at least 6 months
• • 4. Must have disclosed their HIV status to their partner
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Severe intimate partner violence reported in previous 3 months and/or fear that safety would be at risk by participation in the study (reported at screening). Couples who participated in Mlambe's pilot study will also be excluded.