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HIV SBIRT
Piloting an SBIRT model for adult HIV+ populations
Summary
Although screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence based technique that has been shown in some health care settings to reduce substance use, evidence for efficacy of SBIRT in HIV care settings is limited. HIV+ individuals evidence a high prevalence of substance use but access to intervention is limited. Substance use increases risk for poor treatment adherence and is a recognized co-factor of HIV transmission. Therefore, there is a need to develop treatment options that are effective for HIV+ individuals. The implementation of these interventions within specialized HIV care settings is ideal as integrated care has been shown to optimize health outcomes. Aim 1: Examine the feasibility of the SBIRT-PN model Aim 2a: Assess the acceptability of SBIRT-PN. Aim 2b: Assess the acceptability of SBIRT-PN among HIV+ individuals by age Aim 3: Assess influence of SBIRT-PN model on treatment engagement and substance use.
Study Design
This protocol describes an assessment of SBIRT feasibility and acceptability in the UF Health Infectious Disease-Medical Specialties Clinic at the University of Florida. One hundred participants will be recruited from the Clinic. The intervention group will receive a brief intervention, referral to treatment, and peer navigator support. The control group will receive screening and standard referral to treatment as seen in high-quality usual care. The primary study outcomes are feasibility and acceptability of the SBIRT model. Secondary outcomes include engagement in substance use treatment and reduction in alcohol and drug use.
Impact
Individual reductions in alcohol and drug use can have significant effects on public health and safety when observed over a large population at risk for substance use problems. With wider dissemination statewide, a relatively low-cost intervention such as SBIRT could offer demonstrated benefits in this population.