Mentored Scientist Award

Background: Heavy alcohol consumption (HAC) is a significant public health concern, particularly within certain population groups. HAC is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors (SRB), such as condomless sex and having multiple partners, which heightens the risk for HIV. Multiple psychosocial and environmental factors can interact to influence HAC and SRB. However, gaps remain in understanding how these combined influences affect outcomes. Additionally, there is a lack of methodological rigor in this research area, including limited use of mixed methods, longitudinal design, and objective biomarker confirmation.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors contributing to HAC and SRB among sexually active adults, leveraging data from the parent NIH-funded “BEATS” study, which uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to track these behaviors. By applying a mixed methods longitudinal design and biomarker confirmation, we seek to identify the synergistic effects of multiple co-occurring conditions on HAC and SRB and explore the processes by which these behaviors unfold.

Methods: The “MIXED BARS” study will draw data from the “BEATS” study to assess HAC and SRB over 30 days. Phase 1 will analyze the additive and multiplicative interactions of co-occurring conditions on HAC (measured by EMA self-report and phosphatidyl ethanol [PEth] biomarkers) and SRB (measured by EMA) over time. Phase 2 will use qualitative interviews to explore the influence of key factors in the unfolding of HAC and SRB events, guided by modified grounded theory frameworks and integrating insights from Phase 1.

Impact: The findings will improve understanding of individual and environmental interactions affecting HAC and SRB, informing screening and interventions to reduce HIV transmission. This study will also generate preliminary data for a K-award application aligned with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) priorities.