SAVA Syndemic Risk Reduction for African American Couples

Overview

Synergistic interactions among substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS, dubbed the SAVA syndemic, are highly linked to HIV acquisition among African Americans. Given limited literature and development of interventions for HIV-negative but high-risk heterosexual AA couples, there is a need for SAVA risk-reduction development tailored to this population. Phase 1 consisted of qualitative interviews with 16 couples who met study criteria to gather input and information to adapt an 8-session couple-based SAVA syndemic informed risk reduction intervention for HIV-negative, AA heterosexual couples who reported intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance abuse. Phase 2 is the focus of this trial and will consist of delivery of the intervention to 20 couples who meet study inclusion criteria to test the adapted intervention. Given the disproportionate impact of HIV on AAs, this study addresses a key gap in literature by testing the first SAVA informed risk-reduction intervention for high-risk, HIV-negative, heterosexual AA couples.

Synergistic interactions between substance use, violence, and HIV/AIDS (SAVA syndemic) are closely linked with HIV acquisition among African Americans (AAs). However, no interventions have been developed to address SAVA syndemic risk-reduction for HIV-negative but high-risk heterosexual AA couples. This application builds on a qualitative study that was conducted during phase 1 of a NIDA-funded project. In phase 1, the investigators finalized and tested our recruitment protocol and conducted qualitative interviews with 16 couples who met study criteria. This application focused on phase 2 of the funded study. As part of this study the investigators will test an adapted 8-session couple-based SAVA syndemic informed risk-reduction intervention for HIV-negative, AA heterosexual couples who report intimate partner violence (IPV), and substance use. For this purpose, the investigators deliver the intervention to 20 couples who meet study inclusion criteria to test the adapted intervention. The intervention will be delivered online (via zoom) to individual couples. These couples will be recruited through social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and advertising through local community-based organizations. The investigators will also inform the couples who participated in phase 1 qualitative interviews about the opportunity to participate in phase 2. Those who express an interest in participating in phase 2 will have to complete screening again to make sure they are eligible for the present study. This research will be done as part of a grant proposal funded by NIDA. Given the disproportionate impact of HIV on AAs, this study addresses a key gap in literature by testing the first SAVA informed risk-reduction intervention for high-risk, HIV-negative, heterosexual AA couples.