Economic and relationship support to reduce alcohol use in Malawi
Mlambe: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Economic and Relationship-Strengthening Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use in Malawi
This study is testing whether a program that helps couples in Malawi save money and learn relationship skills can reduce heavy drinking among people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zomba) |
| Trial ID | NCT06367348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of Mlambe, which combines incentivized savings accounts, financial literacy training, and relationship skills education to address heavy drinking among HIV-affected couples in Malawi. By focusing on the couple dynamic rather than individual behavior, the study seeks to strengthen relationships and improve communication, ultimately reducing alcohol consumption. The intervention is designed to tackle the intertwined issues of alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and economic insecurity that affect health outcomes for people living with HIV. The study will employ a full-scale randomized control trial to assess the impact of these combined strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are married or cohabitating couples where at least one partner has a positive screening for alcohol use and both partners are on antiretroviral therapy.
Not a fit: Patients experiencing severe intimate partner violence or those who have participated in prior pilot studies of Mlambe may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce heavy drinking among HIV-affected couples, improving their health outcomes and relationship stability.
How similar studies have performed: While interventions addressing alcohol use in the context of HIV have been explored, this combined economic and relationship-focused approach is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Zomba
- Invest in Knowledge Initiative (IKI) — Zomba, Malawi (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy Conroy, PhD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: James Mkandawire
- Email: james3mkandawire@gmail.com
- Phone: +265 8883 70081
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.