A Community-based Adaptation of a Peer-led Intervention to Address Alcohol Use and HIV Risk in Pregnant Women in South Africa (Mentor Moms+)

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a peer-led intervention called Mentor Mothers+ designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding women who use alcohol and are living with or without HIV. This pilot randomized control trial aims to see if the tailored Mentor Mothers+ intervention can reduce alcohol use and improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a community heavily affected by these health challenges. The study involves 100 pregnant women recruited during antenatal care visits in South Africa. The study compares two groups: the Mentor Mothers+ intervention group and an enhanced HIV attention control group. Women in the Mentor Mothers+ group receive brief motivational interviewing sessions by trained mentor mothers who themselves are on PrEP or ART and have reduced or stopped alcohol use during pregnancy. These sessions, delivered over six months through clinic visits during pregnancy and postpartum, focus on reducing alcohol use and supporting HIV prevention or treatment adherence. The control group receives educational counseling and adherence support with similar visit frequency but without the motivational interviewing component. Both groups undergo testing for alcohol use and PrEP or ART adherence. Participants will be followed for six months, spanning pregnancy and postpartum stages. Researchers will assess alcohol use reduction through laboratory measures and self-reports, and monitor PrEP and ART adherence using urine tests and counseling feedback. The study will also track HIV viral load to evaluate health outcomes. The trial includes multiple clinic visits for counseling, testing, and support to help understand the intervention's effects on alcohol use and HIV-related care adherence.

Mentor Moms+ Study