COMPUTERIZED HIV/AIDS PREVENTION OF ALCOHOLICS

Inflexxion, Inc., Newton MA

Investigators

Abstract

This application proposes the development of an interactive multimedia program called Safe and Sober, which educates alcoholics about the role of chronic alcohol abuse as a risk factor for the transmission and course of HIV and AIDS. The Safe and Sober program is designed to enhance HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, increase motivation or intention to change high-risk behaviors, and decrease self-reported high-risk behavior. Users will complete an HIV risk assessment and receive information through selection of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs). Phase I addressed development of a structure and content for a Safe and Sober demonstration program, using the input of a diverse group of alcoholic clients. HIV/AIDS experts and consultants assisted in selection of a pool of 60 FAQs from which a final set of 30 FAQs will be determined in Phase II. Phase II will involve production of a fully operational prototype Safe and Sober CD- ROM, user/program interaction testing, a field test of the effectiveness of the program, and satisfaction with the program. If Safe and Sober is shown to demonstrably enhance HIV/AIDS prevention in alcoholics, its national commercial potential would be significant. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The proposed Safe and Sober program will provide a targeted, computer- administered intervention to facilitate HIV/AIDS education and prevention among alcoholic clients. Despite documented evidence suggesting relatively high rates of HIV among alcoholics and the potential effectiveness of HIV/AIDS prevention to reduce sexual risks related to drinking, there have been relatively few programs targeting alcoholic populations. If this computerized HIV/AIDS prevention program can be shown, in field trials, to have demonstrable efficacy, the commercial potential can be extraordinary.