Telemedicine intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV

Telemedicine for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Persons Living With HIV Using Common Elements Treatment Approach

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04955795

This study is testing whether a phone-based program that combines talking about drinking and mental health can help people with HIV in Alabama reduce their alcohol use and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment308 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Anniston, Alabama and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04955795 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of a brief intervention combined with a cognitive-behavioral approach delivered via telemedicine to address unhealthy alcohol use and mental health issues among individuals living with HIV in Alabama. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a single phone session of Alcohol Brief Intervention or multiple sessions of the combined intervention. Data on alcohol use, mental health, HIV outcomes, and medication adherence will be collected at baseline and during follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. The study also includes mixed methods implementation measures to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness across different demographics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older living with HIV who exhibit unhealthy alcohol use.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, active suicidality, or those unable to engage in the intervention due to language barriers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve HIV health outcomes and reduce unhealthy alcohol use among patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar telemedicine approaches for addressing alcohol use and mental health in HIV populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Living with HIV infection
* Receiving HIV care at 1 of 4 participating AQMG sites (Alabama Quality Management Group sites - i.e. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded community clinics in Alabama)
* Unhealthy alcohol use documented on the AUDIT survey delivered via PRO (i.e. 4 or greater points for women and greater than 8 points for men).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to use a mobile phone due to cognitive or physical impairments
* Unable to speak sufficient English to provide informed consent and receive cognitive behavioral therapy
* Active suicidality or psychosis
* Risk for acute alcohol withdrawal or seizures

Where this trial is running

Anniston, Alabama and 4 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.
Conditions HivAlcohol ProblemHIV OutcomesUnhealthy Alcohol UseMental HealthMedication Adherence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.