Improving alcohol consumption measurement for HIV-affected youth in Africa
Official title: Improving measurement of alcohol consumption among HIV-affected youth in sub-Saharan Africa: evaluation and implementation of biomarkers
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10834164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we understand alcohol use among young people living with HIV in Zambia by using a special urine test that gives a more accurate picture than just asking them about their drinking, so we can help them get the support they need for better health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,790 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AA026523-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who may be experiencing problematic alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not consume alcohol may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the accuracy of alcohol consumption assessments among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to implement a urine-based biomarker, ethyl glucuronide (UEtG), to provide objective measures of alcohol use, addressing the limitations of self-reported data. By integrating this biomarker into HIV care settings, the study seeks to improve screening and referral for alcohol treatment, ultimately supporting better health outcomes for this vulnerable population. The research will be conducted in Zambia, leveraging existing HIV research infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective identification and treatment of alcohol use issues among HIV-affected youth, improving their overall health and adherence to HIV care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in the U.S. has shown success with the use of UEtG as a diagnostic tool, but this approach is novel in the context of HIV care for youth in sub-Saharan Africa.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kane, Jeremy Calvin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kane, Jeremy Calvin
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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.