SAVA Syndemic Risk Reduction for African American 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.

Inclusion criteria

Both participants must:

• be between 18-49 years old
• self-identify as African American/Black
• identify each other as the main/steady heterosexual partner
• have been together for at least 2 months
• plan to be together for at least 3 months
• have had unprotected anal/ vaginal sex with their partner in the last 3 months.

At least one participant must have engaged in:

• IPV in the relationship in the last 6 months
• substance use in the last 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

• <18 or >49 years of age
• not being African American/ Black
• not having a steady partner of the opposite sex for at least 2 months
• not sexually active in the last 3 months
• currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the next 6 months
• not English language proficient
• showing evidence of significant cognitive impairment at screening; and (h) reporting severe physical or sexual violence by partner in the last 6 months (required medical attention) or being fearful of the partner.