A randomized clinical trial of a group cognitive‐behavioral therapy to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus‐infected out‐patients in western Kenya

Abstract

Background and aims Culturally relevant and feasible interventions are needed to address limited professional resources in sub‐Saharan Africa for behaviorally treating the dual epidemics of HIV and alcohol use disorder. This study tested the efficacy of a cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention to reduce alcohol use among HIV‐infected outpatients in Eldoret, Kenya. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting A large HIV outpatient clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, affiliated with the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare collaboration. Participants A total of 614 HIV‐infected outpatients (312 CBT; 302 HL; 48.5% male; mean age: 38.9 years; mean education 7.7 years) who reported a minimum of hazardous or binge drinking. Intervention and comparator A culturally adapted 6‐session gender‐stratified group CBT intervention compared with Healthy Lifestyles education (HL), each delivered by paraprofessionals over 6 weekly 90‐minute sessions with a 9‐month follow‐up. Measurements Primary outcome measures were percent drinking days (PDD) and mean drinks per drinking day (DDD) computed from retrospective daily number of drinks data obtained by use of the Timeline Followback from baseline through 9‐months post‐intervention. Exploratory analyses examined unprotected sex and number of partners. Findings Median attendance was 6 sessions across condition. Retention was 85% through the 9‐month follow‐up. PDD and DDD marginal means were significantly lower in CBT than HL at all three study phases. Maintenance period: PDD–CBT 3.64 (0.70), HL 5.72 (0.71), mean difference 2.08 (95% CI 0.13‐4.04); DDD–CBT 0.66 (0.10) HL 0.98 (0.10), mean difference 0.31 (95% CI 0.05‐0.58). Risky sex decreased over time in both conditions, with a temporary effect for CBT at the 1‐month follow‐up. Conclusions A cognitive‐behavioral therapy intervention was more efficacious than Healthy Lifestyles education in reducing alcohol use among HIV‐infected Kenyan outpatient drinkers.