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Telehealth for Pain and Unhealthy Drinking Among People Living with HIV

This study is testing two approaches for people living with HIV who experience chronic pain and unhealthy alcohol use. One approach is called MCBMAP, which combines counseling techniques (motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral skill training) to help with both drinking and pain. The other approach is Brief Advice and Information, which offers education about alcohol and pain, advice to reduce drinking, and resources. Both interventions are delivered remotely through video calls. We're looking for 253 participants aged 18 or older who have HIV, moderate to severe chronic pain, and unhealthy drinking habits. The main goals are to see if these interventions reduce weekly alcoholic drinks, heavy drinking days, and pain severity after 6 months. The study status is currently unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing two groups. About 250 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the MCBMAP intervention or Brief Advice and Information.
What's involved
Most study procedures, including consent and initial assessments, will be completed remotely via video conferencing.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 6 months to measure changes in drinking and pain levels.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05503173

Telehealth for Pain and Unhealthy Drinking Among PLWH

Active, Not Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Boston University
~253 participants
Updated 2026-07-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MCBMAPBrief Advice and Information

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week at 6 months
Measured over 6 months
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

HIV
Chronic Pain
Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Explore related trials

Alcohol use disorderChronic PainHIV Infection

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • Tibor P Palfai, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Boston Medical Center, Psychiatry; BU Psychological & Brain Sciences

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Able to confirm HIV diagnosis, via visual evidence of antiretroviral (ART) medication bottle or medical record presented to study staff over Zoom.
Engaged in unhealthy drinking, defined as:
\>7 drinks for women / \> 14 drinks for men per week.
OR ≥ 3 drinks for women / ≥4 drinks for men on one occasion in the past month.
Experiencing moderate or greater chronic pain (4 or greater on the numerical pain rating scale) for at least 3 months.
Own a smart phone.
Lives in the USA.
Has a US mailing address.

Exclusion

History of bipolar, schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia per self report.
Unstable dose of psychoactive medication for pain or alcohol/substance use \[i.e., if on medication, participant has not been on same dose for least 2 months\]
History of withdrawal-related seizures or delirium tremens
Current non-pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder or chronic pain
Acute life-threatening illness that requires treatment or intend to have surgery for a pain-related condition in the next 6-months.
Current cancer-related pain
Unable to provide one or more individuals for follow-up contact
Individual who is unwilling to provide their sex at birth
Limited or non-readers

What this trial measures

  • Number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week at 6 months6 months

    Assessed by the Timeline Follow Back (TLFB-30) which is a is a calendar that allows an assessor to obtain an estimate of an individual's daily drinking habits over a 30-day time period.

  • Number of heavy episodic drinking days the past month at 6 months6 months

    Assessed by the Timeline Follow Back (TLFB-30) which is a is a calendar that allows an assessor to obtain an estimate of an individual's daily drinking habits over a 30-day time period.

  • Rating of pain severity and interference at 6 months6 months

    Assessed by the PEG Scale Assessing Pain Intensity and Interference (PEG) which is a 3-item scale measuring pain intensity, emotional function, and physical function over the past week.