Alcohol use among HIV-infected persons in care: Results of a multi-site survey

G. Chander, J. Josephs, J. A. Fleishman, P. T. Korthuis, P. Gaist, J. Hellinger, K. Gebo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of any alcohol use and hazardous alcohol consumption among HIV-infected individuals engaged in care and to identify factors associated with hazardous alcohol use. Methods: During 2003, 951 patients were interviewed at 14 HIV primary care sites in the USA. Hazardous drinking was defined as >14 drinks/ week or ≥5 drinks/occasion for men and >7 drinks/week or ≥4 drinks/occasion for women. Moderate alcohol use was consumption at less than hazardous levels. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with any alcohol use and hazardous alcohol use. Results: Forty per cent of the sample reported any alcohol use in the 4 weeks prior to the interview; 11% reported hazardous use. In multivariate regression, male sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.52 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.07-2.16)], a college education (compared to<high school) [AOR 1.87 (1.10-3.18)] and illicit drug use [AOR 2.69 (1.82-3.95)] were associated positively with any alcohol use, while CD4 nadir ≥500cells/μL [AOR 2.65 (1.23-5.69)] and illicit drug use [AOR 2.67 (1.48-4.82)] were associated with increased odds of hazardous alcohol use (compared to moderate and none). Conclusions: Alcohol use is prevalent among HIV-infected individuals and is associated with a variety of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Screening for alcohol use should be routine practice in HIV primary care settings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)196-202
Number of pages7
JournalHIV Medicine
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2008

Keywords

  • Alcohol use
  • HIV
  • HIV Research Network
  • Hazardous drinking
  • Moderate alcohol use

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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