The overarching goal of this research program is to improve alcohol intervention and eventually related clinical outcomes (e.g., liver function) among HIV+ drinkers through biosensor-assisted intervention. Research shows HIV infection can influence alcohol metabolism (i.e., higher blood alcohol levels), so it's necessary to validate the new alcohol biosensor in HIV+ drinkers rather than in general population. The primary goal of this project, as a step toward the development and evaluation of a biosensor-assisted alcohol intervention, is to validate the newly available wrist worn transdermal alcohol biosensor (BACtrack Skyn). Up to 30 HIV+ and 30 HIV- drinkers will be recruited to validate the Skyn biosensor in both laboratory and real life settings. The two specific aims are: (1) To assess validity and reliability of the Skyn biosensor using fixed-dose lab administration of alcohol through comparison with laboratory grade breathalyzer, and (2) To validate Skyn biosensor in daily life using a 2-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and BACtrack Mobile Pro breathalyzer, and evaluate its usability and acceptability for daily alcohol monitoring. Also explored will be factors (e.g., gender, viral load) that may be associated with individual differences in biosensor readings (e.g., peak, time-to-peak).
This study will validate a wrist-worn alcohol monitor (BACtrack Skyn) in both laboratory and real-life settings.