Alcohol counseling to improve HIV prevention in East Africa

Innovative Strategies to Promote Biomedical HIV Prevention Uptake and Retention Among High-risk Adults at Drinking Venues in Kenya and Uganda

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT06036238

This study tests whether a brief counseling program about alcohol can help heavy drinkers in Kenya and Uganda stick to their HIV prevention treatments better than standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations2 sites (Mbita and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06036238 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a brief alcohol counseling intervention on adherence to PrEP and PEP among adults with heavy alcohol use who are at high risk for HIV in Kenya and Uganda. The research involves recruiting over 2,000 individuals from drinking venues and integrating HIV testing with multi-disease screening. Participants will be randomized to receive either the Healthy Living Intervention or standard care to assess the efficacy of the intervention in promoting retention in biomedical HIV prevention. Additionally, the study will explore the cost-effectiveness of this approach and identify barriers and facilitators to adherence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are HIV-uninfected, have heavy alcohol use, and are seeking biomedical HIV prevention.

Not a fit: Patients who are ineligible for PrEP based on Ministry of Health guidelines or those who are grossly inebriated will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve adherence to HIV prevention methods among individuals with heavy alcohol use, thereby reducing HIV transmission rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in integrating alcohol counseling with HIV prevention strategies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (≥18 years)
* HIV-uninfected (by rapid HIV antibody test)
* AUDIT-C score of \>=4 for men and \>=3 for women
* Attending a clinical visit for initiation of biomedical HIV prevention with oral or injectable PrEP or oral PEP (or the dapivirine vaginal ring, if available)
* Has access to a mobile phone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ineligible for PrEP based on MoH guidelines
* Intention to move away from the study community in the coming year
* Gross inebriation or inability to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Mbita and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, Alcohol use, Biomedical HIV prevention, Uganda, Kenya, Counseling intervention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.