Couple-Based Intervention to Improve HIV Care Engagement for Women and their Partners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Outcomes of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated a couple-based intervention targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care needs of women, with the option to support HIV-related needs of male partners. Adult women with HIV adherence difficulties in a monogamous relationship with a male partner for ≥6 months were recruited in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Twenty couples were randomized (1:1) to either START Together, a five-session manualized behavioral intervention, or treatment as usual, adherence counseling referral. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. Of the ten couples randomized to START Together, 70% attended at least one intervention session (feasibility); of those, 71% attended all five sessions (acceptability). Independently rated interventionist fidelity was very high (M

SUBMITTER: Belus JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11773527 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature