We propose a 5-year implementation science project in Vietnam, aiming to enhance the role of commune health workers (CHWs) in HIV and drug use prevention and treatment. We plan to demonstrate the process of development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated intervention for CHWs, IDUs, and their family members (FMs) in Vietnam. In Phase 1, intervention topics, format, delivery procedures, and supporting materials will be developed through a series of focus group discussions. In Phase 2, implementation pilot and process evaluation will be conducted to collect feedback from participating CHWs, IDUs and their FMs by in- depth interviews in two commune health centers. In Phase 3, we will conduct an intervention trial (CHW CARE intervention) in 60 commune health centers (5 CHWs, 15 IDUs and 10 FMs from each commune center), totaling 300 CHWs; 900 IDUs and 600 FMs. Randomization will occur at the commune level (30 communes assigned to the intervention group; 30 communes assigned to the control group). At each commune assigned to the intervention, the intervention will be delivered to CHWs first, and the participating CHWs will be required to conduct individual and group sessions with IDUs and FMs in their communes. The efficacy of the intervention will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-ups by comparing outcome measures of CHWs, IDUs and FMs in the intervention group to those in the control group. Relationships between the intervention outcomes of CHWs, IDUs and FMs will also be explored.

Public Health Relevance

Globally, HIV burden is growing among drug using populations. To effectively deliver PEPFAR and other programs to prevent HIV/AIDS, there is an urgent need to translate and integrate behavioral interventions into routine healthcare practices. This proposed project responds to this urgent need by focusing on the important role of commune health workers in HIV and drug use prevention and treatment in Vietnam. This project can potentially demonstrate a successful model that can be implemented in primary care systems in other countries to address the HIV epidemic and drug use prevention, which remains a global public health priority.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
4R01DA033609-05
Application #
9060912
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1)
Program Officer
Jenkins, Richard A
Project Start
2012-06-15
Project End
2017-05-31
Budget Start
2016-06-01
Budget End
2017-05-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
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Li, Li; Hien, Nguyen Tran; Liang, Li-Jung et al. (2018) Efficacy of Communication Training of Community Health Workers on Service Delivery to People Who Inject Drugs in Vietnam: A Clustered Randomized Trial. Am J Public Health 108:791-798
Lin, Chunqing; Tuan, Nguyen Anh; Li, Li (2018) Commune Health Workers' Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Knowledge and Perceived Difficulties Providing Decentralized MMT Services in Vietnam. Subst Use Misuse 53:194-199
Li, Li; Luo, Sitong; Rogers, Benjamin et al. (2017) HIV Disclosure and Unprotected Sex Among Vietnamese Men with a History of Drug Use. AIDS Behav 21:2634-2640
Li, Li; Lin, Chunqing; Lee, Sung-Jae et al. (2017) Antiretroviral therapy adherence and self-efficacy among people living with HIV and a history of drug use in Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 28:1247-1254
Li, Li; Luo, Sitong; Lan, Chiao-Wen et al. (2017) Alcohol Use, HIV Treatment Adherence, and Sexual Risk Among People with a History of Injecting Drug Use in Vietnam. AIDS Behav 21:167-173