Biomarker testing to estimate under-reported heavy alcohol consumption by persons with HIV initiating ART in Uganda
Hahn, J.A.; Bwana, M.B.; Javors, M.A.; Martin, J.N.; Emenyonu, N.I.; Bangsberg, D.R.
Aids and Behavior 14(6): 1265-1268
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-7165 PMID: 20697796 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-010-9768-yDocument Number: 625459
Alcohol affects the transmission and treatment of HIV, yet may be under-reported in resource-limited settings. We compared self-reported alcohol consumption with levels of plasma carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (%CDT), a biomarker of heavy alcohol consumption, in persons initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. Almost seven percent (6.7%) of persons reporting abstaining and 10% reporting consuming 1-40 drinks in the prior month tested positive for %CDT, and actual under-report may be higher due to low sensitivity of %CDT. These results suggest likely under-report in those reporting abstaining and current drinking. Improved identification of heavy alcohol consumption is needed for research and clinical purposes.
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