Unhealthy substance-use behaviors as symptom-related self-care in persons with HIV/AIDS
Brion, J.M.; Rose, C.D.; Nicholas, P.K.; Sloane, R.; Corless, I.B.; Lindgren, T.G.; Wantland, D.J.; Kemppainen, J.K.; Sefcik, E.F.; Nokes, K.M.; Kirksey, K.M.; Eller, L.; Hamilton, M.J.; Holzemer, W.L.; Portillo, C.J.; Mendez, M.R.; Robinson, L.M.; Moezzi, S.; Rosa, M.; Human, S.; Maryland, M.; Arudo, J.; Ros, A.V.; Nicholas, T.P.; Cuca, Y.; Huang, E.; Bain, C.; Tyer-Viola, L.; Zang, S.M.; Shannon, M.; Peters-Lewis, A.; Willard, S.
Nursing and Health Sciences 13(1): 16-26
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1442-2018 PMID: 21352430 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2010.00572.xDocument Number: 220256
Unhealthy substance-use behaviors, including a heavy alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and cigarette smoking, are engaged in by many HIV-positive individuals, often as a way to manage their disease-related symptoms. This study, based on data from a larger randomized controlled trial of an HIV/AIDS symptom management manual, examines the prevalence and characteristics of unhealthy behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS symptoms. The mean age of the sample (n = 775) was 42.8 years and 38.5% of the sample was female. The mean number of years living with HIV was 9.1 years. The specific self-reported unhealthy substance-use behaviors were the use of marijuana, cigarettes, a large amount of alcohol, and illicit drugs. A subset of individuals who identified high levels of specific symptoms also reported significantly higher substance-use behaviors, including amphetamine and injection drug use, heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and marijuana use. The implications for clinical practice include the assessment of self-care behaviors, screening for substance abuse, and education of persons regarding the self-management of HIV.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
