Alcohol consumption is associated with poor health in HIV clinic patient population: a behavioral surveillance study

AIDS Behav. 2011 Jan;15(1):209-13. doi: 10.1007/s10461-009-9652-9.

Abstract

Previous research reports that populations with HIV consume higher rates of alcohol than general population. This cross-sectional study (n = 391) was conducted to measure alcohol consumption, factors associated with consumption, and the relationship between alcohol and HIV viral loads among individuals receiving HIV care. Increased alcohol consumption was associated with being male, lower education attainment, and lacking a current HAART prescription. Additionally, among those currently on HAART, unsuppressed viremia was associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that there may be a relatively low level of alcohol consumption that is detrimental to virologic suppression among populations with HIV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Middle Aged
  • Missouri / epidemiology
  • RNA, Viral
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Viral Load*
  • Viremia / drug therapy
  • Viremia / virology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • RNA, Viral