Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral ther... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) risk reduction intervention focused on heavy drinking among the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Juba, South Sudan. Methods: The intervention included eight 60-minute sessions following the Matching Alcoholism Treatment to Client Heterogeneity (MATCH) CBT manual implemented over eight weeks. Topics included: Managing Thoughts about Alcohol; Problem Solving, Drink Refusal Skills, Awareness of Negative Thinking and Anger, Risk Reduction, and Enhancing Social Support Networks. A guided 20-30 minute mindfulness meditation session was also included. Eligible participants were screened for inclusion and enrolled to form eight groups of 8 participants for a total of 64 SPLA members. Counselors trained in clinical skills and motivational interviewing were selected to deliver the intervention. Baseline and post-intervention follow-up assessments were conducted, including standar...
Overview After two decades of civil war, South Sudan has limited published data on HIV prevalence... more Overview After two decades of civil war, South Sudan has limited published data on HIV prevalence and behavioral determinants of HIV infection risk. A surge in HIV/AIDS prevalence is a real concern for this new country with limited access to medical or HIV preventive services, and low education and literacy levels. We present findings from the first bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted within the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1,149 randomly selected soldiers from thirteen SPLA bases was conducted in two phases: July to August 2010 and April to May 2012. Consenting participants received HIV rapid tests, pre-and post-test counseling, and a personal interview. Demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, including sexual behavior, alcohol use, and mental health were assessed using computer-assisted interviews.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral ther... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) risk reduction intervention focused on heavy drinking among the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Juba, South Sudan. Methods: The intervention included eight 60-minute sessions following the Matching Alcoholism Treatment to Client Heterogeneity (MATCH) CBT manual implemented over eight weeks. Topics included: Managing Thoughts about Alcohol; Problem Solving, Drink Refusal Skills, Awareness of Negative Thinking and Anger, Risk Reduction, and Enhancing Social Support Networks. A guided 20-30 minute mindfulness meditation session was also included. Eligible participants were screened for inclusion and enrolled to form eight groups of 8 participants for a total of 64 SPLA members. Counselors trained in clinical skills and motivational interviewing were selected to deliver the intervention. Baseline and post-intervention follow-up assessments were conducted, including standar...
Overview After two decades of civil war, South Sudan has limited published data on HIV prevalence... more Overview After two decades of civil war, South Sudan has limited published data on HIV prevalence and behavioral determinants of HIV infection risk. A surge in HIV/AIDS prevalence is a real concern for this new country with limited access to medical or HIV preventive services, and low education and literacy levels. We present findings from the first bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted within the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1,149 randomly selected soldiers from thirteen SPLA bases was conducted in two phases: July to August 2010 and April to May 2012. Consenting participants received HIV rapid tests, pre-and post-test counseling, and a personal interview. Demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, including sexual behavior, alcohol use, and mental health were assessed using computer-assisted interviews.
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Papers by John Woja