Economic and relationship support to help couples in Malawi reduce heavy drinking
Official title: A randomized controlled trial of an economic and relationship-strengthening intervention to reduce alcohol use in Malawi
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11504799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program offers HIV-affected couples in Malawi combined financial coaching and relationship skills to help men drink less and support HIV treatment adherence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $117,726 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AA031445-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11504799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are couples in Malawi affected by HIV in which one or both partners, especially men, engage in heavy alcohol use and are on or eligible for ART.
✕Less likely to help
Single people, those without alcohol-related problems, individuals living outside Malawi, or persons with severe alcohol dependence needing medical detox are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
Couples living with HIV in Malawi are randomly assigned to receive Mlambe — a program that teaches financial planning, provides incentives to redirect money away from alcohol, and offers communication and relationship-strengthening sessions — or to continue usual care. Local facilitators work with both partners on money-management goals, reduce alcohol-related spending, and practice better communication to reduce conflict. The study measures changes in alcohol use, couple relationships, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy over time. Participants provide information at regular visits so researchers can compare outcomes between the two groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower heavy drinking, reduce financial strain and conflict within couples, and improve adherence to HIV treatment.
How similar studies have gone: A prior pilot trial of Mlambe found the approach was feasible and acceptable for couples and showed promising effects on drinking, relationships, and health outcomes, but a larger randomized trial is needed for confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conroy, Amy Anne — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Conroy, Amy Anne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.