Alcohol and substance use diagnoses among HIV-positive patients receiving care in NYC clinic settings

Prevalence and Correlates of Heavy Alcohol use among People Living with HIV who use Unregulated Drugs in Vancouver, Canada

Among people living with HIV (PLWH), heavy alcohol use is associated with many negative health consequences. However, the impacts of heavy alcohol use are not well described for PLWH who use drugs. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and correlates of heavy alcohol use among a cohort of people who use drugs (PWUD) living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada. We accessed data from an ongoing community-recruited prospective cohort of PLWH who use drugs with linked comprehensive HIV clinical monitoring data. We used generalized linear mixed-effects modeling to identify factors longitudinally associated with periods of heavy alcohol use between December 2005 and December 2019. Of the 896 participants included, 291 (32.5%) reported at least one period with heavy alcohol use. Periods of recent incarceration (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-2.17), encounters with police (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.37-2.56), and older age (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07) were positively associated with heavy alcohol use. Engagement in drug or alcohol treatment (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.70) and male gender (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.27-0.78) were negatively associated with heavy alcohol use. We observed that heavy alcohol use was clearly linked to involvement with the criminal justice system. These findings, together with the protective effects of substance use treatment, suggest the need to expand access for drug and alcohol treatment programs overall, and in particular through the criminal justice system to reduce alcohol-related harms among PLWH who use drugs.

Heavy Alcohol Use and HIV Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Pain

Pain and heavy alcohol consumption are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), each contributing to impaired functioning and diminished quality of life. Each of these conditions may have negative effects on the HIV care continuum, but less is known about their combined influences. The current study examined how heavy drinking and pain were associated with HIV viral suppression and CD4 cell count among participants receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The study sample consisted of 220 PLWH with past 12-month substance dependence or ever injection drug use enrolled in a large HIV cohort study. Logistic regression analyses showed an interaction between pain level (no/mild pain vs moderate/severe) and heavy drinking on viral suppression such that heavy drinking was a significant predictor of poorer viral suppression only for those who experienced moderate/severe pain. We also examined whether ART adherence differentially mediated the association between heavy drinking and HIV viral suppression by level of pain. Although there was a significant indirect effect of heavy drinking on viral suppression among those with moderate/severe pain, moderated mediational analyses did not indicate that the indirect effect of heavy drinking on viral suppression through ART adherence differed significantly by level of pain. Pain level did not significantly moderate the association between heavy drinking and CD4 cell count. We conclude that heavy drinking may be particularly likely to be associated with poorer HIV viral suppression among PLWH with moderate or severe pain. Providers should routinely address comorbid heavy drinking and pain to improve HIV outcomes.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Among Adolescents and Youths Living With HIV: Evaluation of Electronic Health Record Findings and Implications

BACKGROUND

The HIV epidemic remains a major public health concern, particularly among youths living with HIV. While the availability of antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the health outcomes of people living with HIV, there is growing evidence that youths living with HIV may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms linking HIV and cardiovascular disease among youths living with HIV remain poorly understood. One potential explanation is that HIV-related biomarkers, including detectable viral load (VL) and low cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) lymphocyte counts, may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. Despite the potential importance of these biomarkers, the relationship between HIV-related biomarkers and cardiovascular risk among youths living with HIV has been understudied.

OBJECTIVE

To address this gap, we examined whether detectable VL and low CD4 lymphocyte counts, both of which are indications of unsuppressed HIV, were associated with cardiovascular risk among youths living with HIV.

METHODS

We analyzed electronic health record data from 7 adolescent HIV clinics in the United States (813 youths living with HIV). We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relationship between detectable VL and CD4 lymphocyte counts of ≤200 and cardiovascular risk scores, which were adapted from the gender-specific Framingham algorithm.

RESULTS

In our study, nearly half of the participants (366/766, 47.8%) had detectable VL, indicating unsuppressed HIV, while 8.6% (51/593) of them had CD4 lymphocyte counts of ≤200, suggesting weakened immune function. We found that those with CD4 lymphocyte counts of ≤200 had significantly higher cardiovascular risk, as assessed by Cardiac Risk Score2, than those with CD4 lymphocyte counts of >200 (P=.002). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, we found that for every 1000-point increase in VL copies/mL, the probability of having cardiovascular risk (Cardiac Risk Score2) increased by 38%. When measuring the strength of this connection, we observed a minor effect of VL on increased cardiovascular risk (β=.134, SE 0.014; P=.006). We obtained similar results with Cardiac Risk Score1, but the effect of CD4 lymphocyte counts of ≤200 was no longer significant. Overall, our findings suggest that detectable VL is associated with increased cardiovascular risk among youths living with HIV, and that CD4 lymphocyte counts may play a role in this relationship as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights a significant association between unsuppressed HIV, indicated by detectable VL, and increased cardiovascular risk in youths living with HIV. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing interventions that address both VL suppression and cardiovascular risk reduction in this population. By tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of youths, we can promote overall well-being throughout the HIV care continuum and across the life span. Ultimately, these efforts have the potential to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of youths living with HIV.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/11185.

Sexual Risk Behavior and Lifetime HIV Testing: The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Despite the success of HIV prevention drugs such as PrEP, HIV incident transmission rates remain a significant problem in the United States. A life-course perspective, including experiences of childhood adversity, may be useful in addressing the HIV epidemic. This paper used 2019 BRFSS data to elucidate the role that childhood adversity plays in the relationship between HIV risk and HIV testing. Participants (n = 58,258) completed self-report measures of HIV risk behaviors, HIV testing, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The median number ACEs in the sample was 1, with verbal abuse (33.9%), and parental separation (31.3%) being the most common ACEs reported. Bivariate findings showed that all ACEs were associated with increased HIV risk and testing. However, increased risk was not correlated with increased HIV testing, with the highest incongruence related to mental health problems of household member (53.48%). While both self-reported HIV risk and ACEs were positively associated with HIV testing, their interaction had a negative association with testing (aPR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.42, 0.62). The results highlight the need for targeted HIV prevention strategies for at-risk individuals with a history of childhood adversity.

Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of alcohol consumption among adults living with HIV in Eswatini

Aim: Alcohol consumption contributes to a significant burden of illnesses, health conditions and premature deaths globally. There is limited knowledge of alcohol consumption among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Eswatini. This study sought to determine the prevalence, and examine the sociodemographic determinants of alcohol consumption among adult people living with HIV in Eswatini.Methods: Using the Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey 2, a recent national representative cross-sectional survey conducted in Eswatini between August 2016 and March 2017, a subsample of 2 832 adults (aged 18 and older) living with HIV was extracted. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with alcohol consumption (i.e. use or misuse).Results: The prevalence of alcohol misuse (hazardous drinking) was 10.9% (23% male v 4.5% female), whereas alcohol use (moderate drinking) was estimated at 8.5% (14.7% male v 5.2% female). Men were more likely to engage in alcohol use (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] = 3.46 [95% CI 3.46-6.62]) and misuse (aRRR = 6.12 [95% CI 6.12-11.47]) than females. Those who reported HIV stigma had a higher likelihood of alcohol misuse compared to those who did not report HIV stigma (aRRR = 1.43 [95% CI 1.04-1.98]).Conclusion: Our findings highlight a notable prevalence of alcohol use or misuse among PLWH in Eswatini. Males, those with no education, never married and those who reported HIV stigma were more likely to report alcohol misuse. The study thus recommends innovative policies and strategies to curb alcohol-related harm in the Eswatini population, specifically among PLWH.

Brief Report: Associations Between Self-Reported Substance Use Behaviors and PrEP Acceptance and Adherence Among Black MSM in the HPTN 073 Study

BACKGROUND

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is efficacious for HIV prevention. Black men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for the largest proportion of new HIV diagnoses in the United States relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Black MSM who use substances are at an increased risk for HIV infection and are ideal candidates for PrEP, but barriers to maintaining PrEP adherence remain a concern. We assessed whether substance use behaviors are associated with initiation and adherence to PrEP among a sample of black MSM in the United States.

METHODS

Data for this analysis come from the HIV Prevention Trails Network Study 073 (HPTN 073). Substance use behaviors-including alcohol, marijuana, poppers (ie, alkyl nitrites), and stimulants (ie, methamphetamine/cocaine use) including use of these substances before/during condomless anal intercourse (CAI)-were assessed longitudinally through self-report. PrEP adherence was assessed by pharmacological testing in blood. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate association between substance use behaviors and PrEP initiation and adherence.

RESULTS

Among 226 HIV-negative black MSM, the majority (60%) were 25+ years of age. Most of the substance use behaviors were not significantly associated with PrEP initiation or adherence. However, stimulant use before/during CAI was significantly associated with lower odds of PrEP adherence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.07 to 0.61; P = <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that PrEP adherence is feasible among black MSM who use substances. However, black MSM who engage in stimulant use before/during CAI may present a unique group for additional study and support with enhanced behavioral health and support services.

Testing Mindful Awareness as a Moderator in the Association Between HIV-Related Stress and Drug and Alcohol Use Problems Among People Living with HIV

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately affected by stressful life events. HIV-related stress adds to general life stressors to increase health risks among this population. Stress has not only been associated with HIV progression but it is also linked to HIV transmission risk behavior (e.g., substance use). Older adults living with HIV (OALWH) experience additional age-related stress and are at increased risk for substance use. Mindfulness buffers against stress for PLWH; however, research has yet to examine mindfulness as a buffer between HIV-related stress and substance use for OALWH.

Methods

Participants were 130 OALWH (M _age = 54.65, SD = 4.20) and 74.6% were Black. The majority were male (69.2%), and nearly half identified as heterosexual (48.5%). A hierarchical linear regression examined the main and interactive effects of mindful awareness and two types of HIV-related stress (e.g., stigma and rumination) on alcohol and drug use problems.

Results

In step one of the model, we examined HIV stigma (β = .231, p = .015) and found no significant interaction with mindful awareness. In step two, HIV rumination (β = .288, p = .001) was added. We found a significant interaction (β = .196, p = .020), indicating those with low mindful awareness and high rumination reported the greatest substance use problems. Exploratory analyses revealed an indirect effect of HIV stigma on substance use through HIV rumination as well as a significant effect for second-stage moderated mediation.

Conclusions

These findings support mindful awareness as a buffer against HIV rumination for OALWH. Further, our results have important implications for the utility of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with OALWH and comorbid substance use disorders.

Sarcopenia in people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

People living with HIV (PLHIV) experience greater loss of muscle mass and function than people without HIV. However, HIV is not routinely recognized as a sarcopenia risk factor outside of HIV literature. The purposes of this study were to establish the prevalence and predictors of sarcopenia among PLHIV, and to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia among PLHIV and people without HIV. A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, and Scielo databases was performed following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Identified articles were included if they evaluated sarcopenia among PLHIV using either the presence of low muscle mass only or low muscle mass in association with low muscle function. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia among PLHIV and the odds ratio for sarcopenia in PLHIV compared with controls were calculated. From 13 studies and 2267 participants, the prevalence of sarcopenia among PLHIV was 24.1% (95% CI = 17.8-31.0%). PLHIV presented 6.1 greater odds (95% CI = 1.1-33.5) of sarcopenia compared with people without HIV, matched by age, sex, BMI, and ethnicity. Longer exposure to specific HIV drugs, tobacco and alcohol, lower education and employment rates, and greater HIV duration were associated with sarcopenia. In conclusion, PLHIV had a high prevalence of sarcopenia, related to both HIV and non-HIV risk factors. HIV should be considered a risk factor for sarcopenia in the general population. CRD42019131449.

Recreational Drug Use, Polydrug Use and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Southwestern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Although recreational drug use is associated with risky sexual behaviors and HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), it is unclear to what extent these behaviors and outcomes differ between single-drug users and polydrug users in China. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from July to September 2016 among MSM in three cities of Sichuan Province, China. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to examine factors correlated with single-drug and polydrug use. A total of 1,122 participants were included in the study. Overall, 28% of MSM have ever used recreational drugs, of whom 64.0% were single-drug users, and 36.0% were polydrug users. Factors associated with both single-drug and polydrug use included: receptive sexual role (single-drug use: AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.05-3.07; polydrug use: AOR = 6.00, 95% CI: 2.54-14.17), engaging in group sex (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.28-3.87; AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.41-9.08), frequent alcohol use (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.75-5.52; AOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 2.50-16.47), seeking partners mainly by Internet (AOR = 4.87, 95% CI: 3.31-7.17; AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 2.58-8.14), history of STIs (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.08-3.21; AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.77-6.26) and HIV infection (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.02-3.02; AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.62-6.26). Our findings suggest the urgent need for HIV and STIs prevention programs among MSM in China to integrate strategies that mitigate recreational drug use.

Determining the Roles that Club Drugs, Marijuana, and Heavy Drinking Play in PrEP Medication Adherence Among Gay and Bisexual Men: Implications for Treatment and Research

Researchers have established that substance use interferes with anti-retroviral medication adherence among gay and bisexual men (GBM) living with HIV. There is limited parallel examination of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence among HIV-negative GBM. We conducted retrospective 30-day timeline follow-back interviews and prospective semi-weekly diary data for 10 weeks with 104 PrEP-using GBM, half of whom engaged in club drug use (ketamine, ecstasy, GHB, cocaine, or methamphetamine)-generating 9532 days of data. Participants reported their day-by-day PrEP, club drug, marijuana, and heavy alcohol use (5 + drinks in one sitting). On average, club drug users were no more likely to miss a dose of PrEP than non-club drug users (M = 1.6 doses, SD = 3.0, past 30 days). However, we found that club drug use (at the event level) increased the odds of missing a dose on the same day by 55% and the next day (e.g., a "carryover effect") by 60%. Further, missing a dose on one day increased the odds of missing a dose the following day by eightfold. We did not identify an event-level effect of marijuana use or heavy drinking on PrEP adherence. Our data suggest club drug users could have greater protective effects from daily oral or long-acting injectable PrEP compared to a time-driven PrEP regimen because of the concurrence of club drug use and PrEP non-adherence.

Correlates of Validity of Self-Reported Methamphetamine Use among a Sample of Dependent Adults

BACKGROUND

Self-reported data are widely used in substance-use research, yet few studies have assessed the validity of self-reported methamphetamine use compared to biological assays.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the validity and correlates of validity of self-reported methamphetamine use compared to urine toxicology (UTOX).

METHODS

Using a sample of methamphetamine-dependent individuals enrolled in a randomized controlled pharmacotherapy trial in the United States (n = 327 visits among 90 participants), we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the kappa coefficient of self-reported methamphetamine use in the past 3 days compared to UTOX, as well as the NPV of self-reported methamphetamine use over an extended recall period of 1 month. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess correlates of concordance between self-reported methamphetamine use and UTOX.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of self-reported methamphetamine use in the past 3 days was 86.7% (95% confidence intervals (95%CI): 81.4%-91.4%), the specificity was 85.3% (77.7-91.3), the PPV was 91.5% (86.9-94.8), and the NPV was 78.0% (69.4-86.1), compared to UTOX (kappa = 0.71). The NPV over the extended recall period was 70.6% (48.0-85.7). In multivariable analyses, validity of self-reported methamphetamine use was higher for older participants but lower during follow-up compared to baseline and when polysubstance use or depressive symptoms were reported. Conclusions/Importance: Our sample of methamphetamine-dependent adults reported recent methamphetamine use with high validity compared to UTOX. Validity increased with age but decreased when participants reported depressive symptoms or polysubstance use as well as later in the study timeline and during longer recall periods.

Age and racial disparities in substance use and self-reported viral suppression among men who have sex with men with HIV

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Substance use is common among people living with HIV and may affect antiretroviral therapy adherence. Nevertheless, research examining the association between substance use and viral suppression is lacking. The aims of this study were to determine the association between substance use and self-reported viral suppression, and by age and race among MSM living with HIV. Data were obtained from 309 HIV-positive MSM. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between substance use and self-reported viral suppression at baseline, and by age and race. Approximately 67% of participants reported they were virally suppressed. After adjusting for sociodemographics, every increase in substance use score was associated with a 7% decrease in the odds of reporting viral suppression (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-0.98; p = 0.003). The negative association between substance use and self-reported viral suppression remained statistically significant among MSM aged 25-34 years (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79-1.00; p = 0.041) and statistically significant for Black MSM (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.98; p = 0.009). Intervention programs for MSM living with HIV aimed at improving viral suppression should address substance use and consider the differences by age and race.