Changes in alcohol use associated with changes in HIV disease severity over time: A national longitudinal study in the Veterans Aging Cohort

Pandemic expertise: qualitative findings on the experiences of living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic

This qualitative study explored the experiences of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the San Francisco Bay Area, United States, during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions at a safety net HIV clinic. Patients (N = 30) were recruited for Spanish/English language semi-structured interviews (n = 30), translated when necessary, and analyzed thematically. The recurring theme of "pandemic expertise" emerged from the data: skills and attitudes developed through living with HIV helped PLWH cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, including effective strategies for dealing with anxiety and depression; appreciation for life; and practical experience of changing behavior to protect their health. A subset did not consider living with HIV helped them adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some describing their lives as chaotic due to housing issues and/or ongoing substance use. Overall, interviewees reported finding trustworthy health information that helped them follow COVID-19 prevention strategies. Although living with HIV is associated with a higher prevalence of mental health concerns, substance use, and stigma, these challenges can also contribute to increased self-efficacy, adaptation, and resilience. Addressing structural issues such as housing appears to be key to responding to both pandemics.

Factors Associated with Bothersome Symptoms in Individuals With and Without HIV Who Report Alcohol Use

Bothersome symptoms potentially related to drinking are commonly reported by people with and without HIV (PWH/PWoH). However, the relationship between bothersome symptoms and level of alcohol use is often not appreciated by patients or providers. Therefore, among persons reporting prior-year alcohol use, we assessed whether alcohol use level (AUDIT-C score), HIV status, and demographic covariates influenced the likelihood of the patient reporting a bothersome symptom. We used the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) surveys (2002-2018), including a validated symptoms index. Among 3679 PWH and 3830 PWoH currently drinking alcohol, the most commonly reported symptoms were muscle/joint pain (52%), sleep disturbance (51%), and fatigue (50%). Level of alcohol use was independently associated with 18 of 20 bothersome symptoms, including seven symptoms more common among PWH. Results can help inform PWH/PWoH who drink alcohol about the strong relationship between level of alcohol use and bothersome symptoms, potentially motivating reduced use.

Delirium among people aging with and without HIV: Role of alcohol and Neurocognitively active medications

BACKGROUND

People aging with and without HIV (PWH and PWoH) want to avoid neurocognitive dysfunction, especially delirium. Continued use of alcohol in conjunction with neurocognitively active medications (NCAMs) may be a largely underappreciated cause, especially for PWH who experience polypharmacy a decade earlier than PWoH. We compare absolute and relative risk of delirium among PWH and PWoH by age, level of alcohol use, and exposure to NCAMs.

METHODS

Using the VACS cohort, we compare absolute and relative risk of inpatient delirium among PWH and PWoH by age, level of alcohol use, and exposure to NCAMs between 2007 and 2019. We matched each case based on age, race/ethnicity, sex, HIV, baseline year, and observation time with up to 5 controls. The case/control date was defined as date of admission for cases and the date corresponding to the same length of time on study for controls. Level of alcohol use was defined using Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C). Medication exposure was measured from 45 to 3 days prior to index date; medications were classified as anticholinergic NCAM, non-anticholinergic NCAM, or non NCAM and counts generated. We used logistic regression to determine odds ratios (ORs) for delirium associated with medication counts stratified by HIV status and adjusted for demographics, severity of illness, and related diagnoses.

RESULTS

PWH experienced a higher incidence of delirium (5.6, [95% CI 5.3-5.9/1000 PY]) than PWoH (5.0, [95% CI 4.8-5.1/1000 PY]). In multivariable analysis, anticholinergic and non-anticholinergic NCAM counts and level of alcohol use demonstrated strong independent dose-response associations with delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing alcohol use and limiting the use of neurocognitively active medications may help decrease excess rates of delirium, especially among PWH.

Changes in alcohol consumption reported on routine healthcare screenings are associated with changes in depression symptoms

BACKGROUND

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption version (AUDIT-C) has been robustly validated as a point-in-time screen for unhealthy alcohol use, but less is known about the significance of changes in AUDIT-C scores from routine screenings over time. Unhealthy alcohol use and depression commonly co-occur, and changes in drinking often co-occur with changes in depression symptoms. We assess the associations between changes in AUDIT-C scores and changes in depression symptoms reported on brief screens completed in routine care.

METHODS

The study sample included 198,335 primary care patients who completed two AUDIT-C screens 11 to 24 months apart and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) depression screen on the same day as each AUDIT-C. Both screening measures were completed as part of routine care within a large health system in Washington state. AUDIT-C scores were categorized to reflect five drinking levels at both time points, resulting in 25 subgroups with different change patterns. For each of the 25 subgroups, within-group changes in the prevalence of positive PHQ-2 depression screens were characterized using risk ratios (RRs) and McNemar's tests.

RESULTS

Patient subgroups with increases in AUDIT-C risk categories generally experienced increases in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.95 to 2.00). Patient subgroups with decreases in AUDIT-C risk categories generally experienced decreases in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.52 to 1.01). Patient subgroups that did not have changes in AUDIT-C risk categories experienced little or no change in the prevalence of positive depression screens (RRs ranging from 0.98 to 1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

As hypothesized, changes in alcohol consumption reported on AUDIT-C screens completed in routine care were associated with changes in depression screening results. Results support the validity and clinical utility of monitoring changes in AUDIT-C scores over time as a meaningful measure of changes in drinking.

Association between clinical measures of unhealthy alcohol use and subsequent year hospital admissions in a primary care population

BACKGROUND

Screening for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care may help identify patients at risk for negative health outcomes.

AIMS

This study examined the associations between 1) screening with the AUDIT-C (alcohol consumption) and 2) an Alcohol Symptom Checklist (symptoms of alcohol use disorder) and subsequent-year hospitalizations.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in 29 primary care clinics in Washington State. Patients were screened in routine care (10/1/2016-2/1/2019) with the AUDIT-C (0-12) and administered the Alcohol Symptom Checklist (0-11) if they had AUDIT-C score ≥ 7. All-cause hospitalizations were measured within 1 year of the AUDIT-C and Alcohol Symptom Checklist. AUDIT-C and Alcohol Symptom Checklist scores were categorized based on previously used cut-points.

FINDINGS

Of 305,376 patients with AUDIT-Cs, 5.3% of patients were hospitalized in the following year. AUDIT-C scores had a J-shaped relationship with hospitalizations, with risk for all-cause hospitalizations higher for patients with the AUDIT-C scores 9-12 (12.1%; 95% CI: 10.6-13.7%, relative to a comparison group of those with AUDIT-C scores 1-2 (female)/1-3 (male) (3.7%; 95% CI: 3.6-3.8%), adjusted for socio-demographics. Patients with AUDIT-C ≥ 7 and Alcohol Symptom Checklist scores reflecting severe AUD were at increased risk of hospitalization (14.6%, 95% CI: 11.9-17.9%) relative to those with lower scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher AUDIT-C scores were associated with higher incidence of hospitalizations except among people with low-level drinking. Among patients with AUDIT-C ≥ 7, the Alcohol Symptom Checklist identified patients at increased risk of hospitalization. This study helps demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the AUDIT-C and Alcohol Symptom Checklist.

Impact of alcohol use disorder severity on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral suppression and CD4 count in three international cohorts of people with HIV

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use has been linked to worse human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) immunologic/virologic outcomes, yet few studies have explored the effects of alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study assessed whether AUD severity is associated with HIV viral suppression and CD4 count in the three cohorts of the Uganda Russia Boston Alcohol Network for Alcohol Research Collaboration on HIV/AIDS (URBAN ARCH) Consortium.

METHODS

People with HIV (PWH) in Uganda (n = 301), Russia (n = 400), and Boston (n = 251), selected in-part based on their alcohol use, were included in analyses. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess the cross-sectional associations between AUD severity (number of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria) and (1) HIV viral suppression, and (2) CD4 count (cells/mm3 ) adjusting for covariates. Analyses were conducted separately by site.

RESULTS

The proportion of females was 51% (Uganda), 34% (Russia), and 33% (Boston); mean age (SD) was 40.7 (9.6), 38.6 (6.3), and 52.1 (10.5), respectively. All participants in Uganda and all but 27% in Russia and 5% in Boston were on antiretroviral therapy. In Uganda, 32% met criteria for AUD, 92% in Russia, and 43% in Boston. The mean (SD) number of AUD criteria was 1.6 (2.4) in Uganda, 5.6 (3.3) in Russia, and 2.4 (3.1) in Boston. Most participants had HIV viral suppression (Uganda 92%, Russia 57%, Boston 87%); median (IQR) CD4 count was 673 (506, 866), 351 (201, 542), and 591 (387, 881), respectively. In adjusted models, there were no associations between AUD severity and HIV viral suppression: adjusted odds ratios (AOR) (95%CI) per 1 additional AUD criterion in Uganda was 1.08 (0.87, 1.33); Russia 0.98 (0.92, 1.04); and Boston 0.95 (0.84, 1.08) or CD4 count: mean difference (95%CI) per 1 additional criterion: 5.78 (-7.47, 19.03), -3.23 (-10.91, 4.44), and -8.18 (-24.72, 8.35), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In three cohorts of PWH, AUD severity was not associated with HIV viral suppression or CD4 count. PWH with AUD in the current era of antiretroviral therapy can achieve virologic control.

Alcohol Use Disorder and Recent Alcohol Use and HIV Viral Non-Suppression Among People Engaged in HIV Care in an Urban Clinic, 2014-2018

We estimated joint associations between having history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) (based on prior ICD-9/ICD-10 codes) and recent self-reported alcohol use and viral non-suppression (≥ 1 viral load measurement > 20 copies/mL in the same calendar year as alcohol consumption was reported) among patients on ART enrolled in routine care, 2014-2018, in an urban specialty clinic. Among 1690 patients, 26% had an AUD, 21% reported high-risk alcohol use, and 39% had viral non-suppression. Relative to person-years in which people without AUD reported not drinking, prevalence of viral non-suppression was higher in person-years when people with AUD reported drinking at any level; prevalence of viral non-suppression was not significantly higher in person-years when people with AUD reported not drinking or person-years when people without AUD reported drinking at any level. No level of alcohol use may be "safe" for people with a prior AUD with regard to maintaining viral suppression.

Change in Alcohol Use Based on Self-Report and a Quantitative Biomarker, Phosphatidylethanol, in People With HIV

The timeline followback (TLFB) takes more resources to collect than the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). We assessed agreement of TLFB and AUDIT-C with the biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and compared changes in TLFB and PEth among persons with HIV (PWH) using secondary data from randomized trials. We calculated operating characteristics and agreement between TLFB (> 1 and > 2 average drinks/day), AUDIT-C ≥ 4 and PEth ≥ 20 among 275 men with HIV. Median age was 57 years, 80% were African-American; and 17% white. Sixty-eight percent had PEth ≥ 20, 46% reported > 2 average drinks/day on TLFB, 61% reported > 1 average drinks/day on TLFB, and 72% had an AUDIT-C ≥ 4. Relative to PEth, sensitivity for AUDIT-C ≥ 4 was 84% (kappa = 0.36), and for TLFB > 1 average drink/day was 76% (kappa = 0.44). Change in alcohol use appeared greater using TLFB measures than PEth. Strategies to robustly assess alcohol use in PWH may require both self-report and biomarkers.

The Role of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Research in the Design of HIV Secondary Prevention Interventions in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy: Targeted Research Priorities Moving Forward

HIV secondary prevention focuses on averting onward HIV transmission, which can be realized when people living with HIV enact requisite HIV care continuum-related behaviors to achieve viral suppression, and engage in condom-protected sex when virally unsuppressed. Alcohol has been detrimentally linked to all aspects of HIV secondary prevention, and although a growing number of behavioral interventions account for and address alcohol use within this realm, further efforts are needed to fully realize the potential of such initiatives. The present article proposes a series of targeted priorities to inform the future design, implementation, and evaluation of alcohol-related behavioral intervention research within the scope of HIV secondary prevention. These priorities and corresponding approaches account for the challenges of resource-constrained clinic environments; capitalize on technology; and address key comorbidities. This framework provides the foundation for a range of alcohol-related behavioral interventions that could potentially enhance global HIV secondary prevention efforts in the years ahead.

A SMARTTT approach to Treating Tobacco use disorder in persons with HIV (SMARTTT): Rationale and design for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use disorder is a leading threat to the health of persons with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral treatment and identifying optimal treatment approaches to promote abstinence is critical. We describe the rationale, aims, and design for a new study, "A SMART Approach to Treating Tobacco Use Disorder in Persons with HIV (SMARTTT)," a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.

METHODS

In HIV clinics within three health systems in the northeastern United States, PWH with tobacco use disorder are randomized to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with or without contingency management (NRT vs. NRT + CM). Participants with response (defined as exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO)-confirmed smoking abstinence at week 12), continue the same treatment for another 12 weeks. Participants with non-response, are re-randomized to either switch medications from NRT to varenicline or intensify treatment to a higher CM reward schedule. Interventions are delivered by clinical pharmacists embedded in HIV clinics. The primary outcome is eCO-confirmed smoking abstinence; secondary outcomes include CD4 cell count, HIV viral load suppression, and the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index 2.0 score (a validated measure of morbidity and mortality based on laboratory data). Consistent with a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design and grounded in implementation science frameworks, we will conduct an implementation-focused process evaluation in parallel. Study protocol adaptations related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been made.

CONCLUSIONS

SMARTTT is expected to generate novel findings regarding the impact, cost, and implementation of an adaptive clinical pharmacist-delivered intervention involving medications and CM to promote smoking abstinence among PWH. ClinicalTrials.govidentifier:NCT04490057.

Longitudinal Investigation of Military-specific Factors Associated With Continued Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among a Large US Military Cohort

To examine whether military separation (Veteran), service component (active duty, Reserve/National Guard), and combat deployment are prospectively associated with continuing unhealthy alcohol use among US military service members.

Changing Patterns of Alcohol Use and Probability of Unsuppressed Viral Load Among Treated Patients with HIV Engaged in Routine Care in the United States

We examined HIV viral load non-suppression ([Formula: see text] 200 copies/mL) subsequent to person-periods (3-18 months) bookended by two self-reports of alcohol use on a standardized patient reported outcome assessment among adults in routine HIV care. We examined the relative risk (RR) of non-suppression associated with increases and decreases in alcohol use (relative to stable use), stratified by use at the start of the person-period. Increases in drinking from abstinence were associated with higher risk of viral non-suppression (low-risk without binge: RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03, 1.32; low-risk with binge: RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.11, 1.63; high-risk: RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16, 3.08). Decreases in drinking from high-risk drinking were weakly, and not statistically significantly associated with lower risk of viral non-suppression. Other changes in alcohol use were not associated with viral load non-suppression. Most changes in alcohol consumption among people using alcohol at baseline were not strongly associated with viral non-suppression.

The relationship of smoking and unhealthy alcohol use to the HIV care continuum among people with HIV in an integrated health care system

INTRODUCTION

Smoking tobacco and unhealthy alcohol use may negatively influence HIV care continuum outcomes but have not been examined in combination.

METHODS

Participants were people with HIV (PWH) in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Predictors included smoking status and unhealthy alcohol use (exceeding daily and/or weekly limits) reported by patients during primary care screening (index date). Outcomes were based on not achieving the following steps in the care continuum: linkage to HIV care (≥1 visit within 90 days of newly identified HIV diagnosis), retention (2+ in-person visits, 60+ days apart) and HIV RNA control (<75 copies/mL). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were obtained from separate logistic regression models for each outcome associated with smoking and unhealthy alcohol use independently and combined.

RESULTS

The overall sample (N = 8958) had a mean age of 48.0 years; was 91.3 % male; 54.0 % white, 17.6 % Latino, 15.1 % black, and 9.6 % other race/ethnicity. Smoking was associated with higher odds of not being linked to HIV care (OR = 1.60 [95 % CI 1.03-2.48]), not retained (OR = 1.30 [95 % CI 1.13-1.50]), and HIV RNA not in control (OR = 1.91 [95 % CI 1.60-2.27]). Alcohol measures were not independently associated with outcomes. The combination of unhealthy alcohol use and smoking (versus neither) was associated with higher odds of not being linked to care (OR = 2.83 [95 % CI 1.40-5.71]), although the interaction did not reach significance (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large sample of PWH in an integrated health care system, smoking, both independently and in combination with unhealthy alcohol use, was associated with worse HIV care continuum outcomes.

Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Adherence Among Patients Living with HIV: Is Change in Alcohol Use Associated with Change in Adherence?

Alcohol use increases non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Dynamic longitudinal associations are understudied. Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) data 2/1/2008-7/31/16 were used to fit linear regression models estimating changes in adherence (% days with ART medication fill) associated with changes in alcohol use based on annual clinically-ascertained AUDIT-C screening scores (range - 12 to + 12, 0 = no change) adjusting for demographics and initial adherence. Among 21,275 PLWH (67,330 observations), most reported no (48%) or low-level (39%) alcohol use initially, with no (55%) or small (39% ≤ 3 points) annual change. Mean initial adherence was 86% (SD 21%), mean annual change was - 3.1% (SD 21%). An inverted V-shaped association was observed: both increases and decreases in AUDIT-C were associated with greater adherence decreases relative to stable scores [p < 0.001, F (4, 21,274)]. PLWH with dynamic alcohol use (potentially indicative of alcohol use disorder) should be considered for adherence interventions.

The interplay between HIV and COVID-19: summary of the data and responses to date

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We examine the interplay between the HIV and COVID-19 epidemics, including the impact of HIV on COVID-19 susceptibility and severe disease, the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on HIV prevention and treatment, and the influence of the HIV epidemic on responses to COVID-19.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence to date does not suggest that people living with HIV (PLWH) have a markedly higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with disparities in the social determinants of health and comorbidities likely having a greater influence. The majority of literature has not supported a higher risk for severe disease among PLWH in Europe and the United States, although a large, population-based study in South Africa reported a higher rate of death due to COVID-19. Higher rates of comorbidities associated with COVID-19 disease severity among PLWH is an urgent concern. COVID-19 is leading to decreased access to HIV prevention services and HIV testing, and worsening HIV treatment access and virologic suppression, which could lead to worsening HIV epidemic control.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 is threatening gains against the HIV epidemic, including the U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic goals. The ongoing collision of these two global pandemics will continue to need both study and interventions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on HIV efforts worldwide.

HIV Stigma and Its Associations with Longitudinal Health Outcomes Among Persons Living with HIV with a History of Unhealthy Alcohol Use

This study examined the demographic and clinical correlates of HIV stigma and evaluated how HIV stigma was associated with physical and mental health outcomes one year later in a primary-care based cohort of persons living with HIV (PLHIV; N = 584). HIV stigma was measured using a modified Berger HIV stigma scale, which includes four subscales: (1) personalized stigma; (2) disclosure concerns; (3) negative self-image; and (4) concerns around public attitudes towards PLHIV. Physical and mental health were assessed using the 12-item short form survey (SF-12). Compared to whites, African Americans were more likely to have higher personalized stigma scores (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.54 [95% confidence interval 1.10-2.15]), disclosure concerns (aPR 1.40 [1.03-1.92]), and concerns with public attitudes about PLHIV (aPR 1.61 [1.11-2.34]). Hispanic/Latinx participants were more likely to have concerns around public attitudes towards PLHIV (aPR 1.50 [1.11-2.02]) than whites. Compared to men, women were more likely to have higher negative self-image scores (aPR 1.50 [1.08-2.08]). Higher stigma scores were associated with poorer subsequent self-reported physical and mental health functional status. Our findings highlight the substantial need for addressing HIV stigma, particularly among minority subgroups.

The Current State of HIV and Aging: Findings Presented at the 10th International Workshop on HIV and Aging

With increasing effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV (PWH) are living longer and the prevalence of older PWH continues to increase. Accordingly, PWH are experiencing an increased burden of age-related comorbidities. With this shifting demographics, clinicians and researchers face additional challenges in how to identify, address, and manage the complex intersections of HIV- and aging-related conditions. Established in 2009, the International Workshop on HIV and Aging brings together clinicians and researchers in cross-disciplinary fields along with community advocates and PWH to address the multidisciplinary nature of HIV and aging. This article summarizes plenary talks from the 10th Annual International Workshop on HIV and Aging, which took place in New York City on October 10 and 11, 2019. Presentation topics included the following: the burdens of HIV-associated comorbidities, aging phenotypes, community engagement, and loneliness; these issues are especially important for older PWH, considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss broad questions and potential directions for future research necessary to better understand the interaction between HIV and aging.

Impact of behavioral and medication treatment for alcohol use disorder on changes in HIV-related outcomes among patients with HIV: A longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

For people with HIV (PWH) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) who initiated behavioral treatment (BAUD) we: 1) describe BAUD intensity and medication (MAUD); and 2) examine whether BAUD and MAUD were associated with changes in HIV-related outcomes (CD4 cell count, HIV-1 viral load [VL], VACS Index score 2.0, and antiretroviral [ARV] adherence) from before to one year after treatment initiation.

METHODS

We used Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) data to describe BAUD intensity and MAUD (acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone, gabapentin or topiramate). Linear regression models estimated changes in outcomes and included BAUD, MAUD, age and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

We identified 7830 PWH who initiated BAUD from 01/2008-09/2017. Median age was 53, 60% were African-American and 28% white. BAUD intensity groups were: 1) Single Visit - 35%; 2) Minimal - 44% recieved ∼2 visits during first month; 3) Sustained Moderate - 17% recieved ∼8 visits/month initially; and 4) Intensive - 4% started out receiving ∼14-16 visits/month. Only 9% recieved MAUD, the majority of which was gabapentin. Among those with detectable VL: all HIV-related outcomes improved more among those with more intensive BAUD. Among those with undetectable VL: adherence improved more among those with greater BAUD intensity. MAUD was associated with increased CD4 among those with detectable VL and with improved adherence among both groups.

CONCLUSION

Of those with >1 BAUD visit, only 21% received at least moderate BAUD and 9% received at least 6 months of MAUD. Increasing AUD treatment intensity may improve HIV-related outcomes, especially among those with detectable VL.

Working with HIV clinics to adopt addiction treatment using implementation facilitation (WHAT-IF?): Rationale and design for a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation study

BACKGROUND

Tobacco, alcohol and opioid misuse are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among people with HIV (PWH). Despite existence of evidence-based counseling and medications for addiction, these treatments are infrequently offered in HIV clinics. The Working with HIV clinics to adopt Addiction Treatment using Implementation Facilitation (WHAT-IF?) study was conducted to address this implementation challenge. The study's goals were to conduct a formative evaluation of barriers to and facilitators of implementing addiction treatment for PWH followed by an evaluation of the impact of Implementation Facilitation (IF) on promoting adoption of addiction treatments and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The study was conducted at four HIV clinics in the northeast United States, using a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation stepped wedge design and guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services Research (PARiHS) framework. A mixed-methods approach was used to identify evidence, context, and facilitation-related barriers to and facilitators of integration of addiction treatments into HIV clinics and to help tailor IF for each clinic. An evaluation was then conducted of the impact of IF on implementation outcomes, including provision of addiction treatment (primary outcome), organizational and clinician and staff readiness to adopt addiction treatment, and changes in organizational models of care used to deliver addiction treatment. The evaluation also included IF's impact on effectiveness outcomes, specifically HIV-related outcomes among patients eligible for addiction treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Results will generate important information regarding the impact of IF as a reproducible strategy to promote addiction treatment in HIV clinics.

Strengths and Limitations of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index as a Measure of Physiologic Frailty

The Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index (VACS Index) is an index comprised of routine clinical laboratory tests that accurately and generalizably predicts all-cause mortality among those living with and without HIV infection. Increasing evidence supports its use as a measure of physiologic frailty among those aging with HIV because of its associations with frailty related outcomes including mortality, hospitalization, fragility fractures, serious falls, pneumonia, cognitive decline, delirium, and functional decline. In this review, we explore the evidence supporting the validity (construct, correlative, and predictive), responsiveness, and feasibility of the VACS Index as an early indicator of physiologic frailty. We also consider its limitations.

Substance Use, HIV Serostatus Disclosure, and Sexual Risk Behavior in People Living with HIV: An Event-Level Analysis

People living with HIV (PLWH) face difficult decisions about disclosing their HIV status to new sexual partners. Alcohol and other drug use could impact these decision-making processes and subsequent sexual risk behavior. We sought to examine the event-level relationships between substance use, HIV disclosure, and condom use in PLWH and their first-time HIV-negative or unknown status sexual partners. Adult PLWH were recruited from care settings in a southeastern U.S. city. Participants reported their sexual behavior for 28 consecutive days via text message prompts. We employed multilevel covariation in a causal system to examine the event-level relations between substance use and condom use. We proposed that this relationship would be mediated by HIV disclosure and moderated by viral suppression status. A total of 243 participants (83% male, 93% Black) reported 509 sexual events with first-time HIV-negative/unknown status sexual partners. Substance use at the time of sex was negatively associated with disclosure in PLWH with suppressed viral load (OR 0.29, β = - 1.22, 95% CI [- 2.42, - 0.03], p = .045), but differentially associated with condom use in PLWH with detectable versus undetectable viral load. In PLWH with viral suppression, participants who always disclosed versus who never disclosed their HIV status were more likely to use condoms (β = 1.84, 95% CI [0.35, 3.53], p = .017), but inconsistent disclosers were less likely to use a condom after disclosing (OR 0.22, 95% CI [0.07, 0.68], p = .008). Event-level analysis offers a more nuanced understanding of the proximal (substance use, HIV disclosure) and person-level (substance use, viral load) determinants of HIV transmission risk behavior in PLWH.

Changes in Days of Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, HIV RNA Levels, and Condomless Sex: A Secondary Analysis of Clinical Trial Data

In a sample of people with HIV (PWH) enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial and followed for 12 months, we examined the association of changes in days (i.e., decrease, increase, no change [reference]) of unhealthy drinking (consuming ≥ 4/≥ 5 drinks for women/men) with antiretroviral therapy adherence (≥ 95% adherent), viral suppression (HIV RNA < 75 copies/mL), condomless sex with HIV-negative/unknown status partners, and dual-risk outcome (HIV RNA ≥ 75 copies/mL plus condomless sex). The sample included 566 PWH (96.8% male; 63.1% White; 93.9% HIV RNA < 75 copies/mL) who completed baseline, 6-, and 12-month assessments. Decrease in days of unhealthy drinking was associated with increased likelihood of viral suppression (odds ratio [OR] 3.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 13.51, P = .04) versus no change. Increase in days of unhealthy drinking was associated with increased likelihood of condomless sex (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.60, 6.12, P < .001). Neither increase nor decrease were associated with adherence or dual-risk outcome. On a continuous scale, for each increase by 1 day of unhealthy drinking in the prior month, the odds of being 95% adherent decreased by 6% (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88, 1.00, P = 0.04).

Motivation to Quit Drinking in Individuals Coinfected with HIV and Hepatitis C

Alcohol consumption is common among individuals coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) despite the uniquely harmful effects in this population. Limited research has examined factors that could influence drinking reduction or cessation among HIV/HCV coinfected persons; this study investigates motivation to quit. Participants were 110 alcohol-consuming HIV/HCV coinfected patients recruited from medical clinics. Participants self-reported 90-day drinking frequency and intensity; alcohol-related problems; reasons to quit drinking; reasons to drink; and motivation to quit drinking. Participants consumed alcohol on 54.1 (± 26.9) of the past 90 days. In a multivariate model that controlled for demographic variables, motivation to quit drinking was directly associated with alcohol-related problems (β_y·x = 0.35, p = .007) and reasons to quit drinking (β_y·x = 0.23, p = .021), and inversely associated with drinking for enhancement (β_y·x = - 0.36, p = .004). This study identified several factors associated with motivation to quit drinking in a sample of alcohol-consuming HIV/HCV patients.

Latent Alcohol Use Typologies and Health Status Among a Cohort of Adults Living with HIV

AIMS

To characterize latent typologies of alcohol use among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) and test their relationship with physical and mental health status.

METHODS

Baseline data from 365 adult in-care PLWH enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV study were analyzed. Indicators of current and former heavy drinking, intoxication, withdrawal and dependence symptoms, alcohol-related problems and past contact with alcohol use treatment were drawn from validated scales. Physical and mental health measures included SF-36 subscales, medication non-adherence and anxiety, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Latent class analysis was conducted to characterize alcohol drinking typologies. Logistic and ordinary least-squares regression were employed to test associations between alcohol use and health status.

RESULTS

Four latent classes were identified: heavy drinkers (36%), former heavy drinkers (14%), heavy drinkers with problems (12%) and low-risk drinkers/abstainers (38%). Controlling for background characteristics, low-risk drinkers/abstainers showed significantly better health compared to heavy drinkers with problems across most domains. Although current and former heavy drinkers without alcohol-related problems were similar to heavy drinkers with problems in most health domains, they presented worse mental health and energy compared to low-risk drinkers/abstainers.

CONCLUSIONS

Heavy drinkers with alcohol-related problems evidenced the worst health status among PLWH, and should be considered for mental and physical health interventions. However, interventions to improve physical and mental health of PLWH should consider history of heavy alcohol use, as current alcohol use status alone may be insufficient for identifying groups at increased risk.

Alcohol and Bone Turnover Markers among People Living with HIV and Substance Use Disorder

BACKGROUND

Although unhealthy alcohol use and low bone density are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), it is not clear whether alcohol use is associated with bone turnover markers (BTMs), and if so, at what quantity and frequency. The study objective was to examine the association between alcohol and BTMs in PLWH with substance use disorder.

METHODS

We studied a prospective cohort recruited from 2 HIV clinics who met criteria for DSM-IV substance dependence or reported ever injection drug use. Outcomes were BTM of (i) bone formation (serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP]) and (ii) bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide type 1 collagen [CTx]). Alcohol consumption measures included (i) mean number of drinks/d (Timeline Follow-Back [TLFB]) (primary predictor), (ii) any alcohol use on ≥20 of the past 30 days, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a biomarker of recent alcohol consumption. Linear regression analysis examined associations between (i) each alcohol measure and each BTM and (ii) change in alcohol and change in BTM over 12 months.

RESULTS

Among 198 participants, baseline characteristics were as follows: The median age was 50 years; 38% were female; 93% were prescribed antiretroviral medications; 13% had ≥20 drinking days/month; mean drinks/day was 1.93 (SD 3.89); change in mean drinks/day was -0.42 (SD 4.18); mean P1NP was 73.1 ng/ml (SD 34.5); and mean CTx was 0.36 ng/ml (SD 0.34). Higher drinks/day was significantly associated with lower P1NP (slope -1.09 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.94, -0.23, per each additional drink). On average, those who drank on ≥ 20 days/month had lower P1NP (-15.45 ng/ml; 95% CI: -26.23, -4.67) than those who did not. Similarly, PEth level ≥ 8ng/ml was associated with lower P1NP. An increase in drinks/d was associated with a decrease in P1NP nonsignificantly (-1.14; 95% CI: -2.40, +0.12; p = 0.08, per each additional drink). No significant associations were detected between either alcohol measure and CTx.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of PLWH with substance use disorder, greater alcohol consumption was associated with lower serum levels of bone formation markers.

Examination of using alcohol to cope, depressive symptoms, and perceived social support in persons with HIV and Hepatitis C

Depression is common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and some likely turn to alcohol to cope with this emotional distress. Using alcohol to cope is associated with increased alcohol use, persistent longitudinal alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems. This association is particularly concerning among PLWH who are co-infected with Hepatitis C (HCV) because alcohol adds to the damage already caused by HCV. Despite data showing the associated risks of using alcohol to cope, scant research has examined factors that might contribute to coping-based alcohol use in HIV-HCV patients, such as limited social support. Baseline data from a randomized trial of strategies to reduce alcohol use in co-infected HIV and HCV adult patients (n=110) were analyzed. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the association between using alcohol to cope, depression, and four aspects of social support, controlling for demographic variables. Results showed that using alcohol to cope was not significantly correlated with social support but was significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. In fact, depressive symptoms and severity of alcohol consumption accounted for nearly 45% of the variance related to coping-based alcohol use. These data highlight the central role of depression in the coping motives-alcohol use relationship among co-infected patients.

Patterns of alcohol use and associated characteristics and HIV-related outcomes among a sample of African-American women living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use is common among people living with HIV and negatively impacts care and outcomes. African-American women living with HIV are subject to vulnerabilities that may increase risk for alcohol use and associated HIV-related outcomes.

METHODS

We used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of an HIV-related stigma-reduction intervention among African-American women living with HIV in Chicago and Birmingham (2013-2015). Patterns of alcohol use [any use, unhealthy alcohol use (UAU), heavy episodic drinking (HED)] were measured using the AUDIT-C. We assessed demographic, social, and clinical characteristics which may influence alcohol use and HIV-related outcomes which may be influenced by patterns of alcohol use in bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Among 220 African-American women living with HIV, 54 % reported any alcohol use, 24 % reported UAU, and 27 % reported HED. In bivariate analysis, greater depressive symptoms, lower religiosity, lower social support, marijuana, and crack/cocaine use were associated with patterns of alcohol use (p < 0.05). Marijuana and cocaine/crack use were associated with patterns of alcohol use in adjusted analysis (p < 0.05). In adjusted analysis, any alcohol use and HED were associated with lower likelihood of ART adherence (ARR = 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.53-0.97 and ARR = 0.65, 95 % CI: 0.44-0.96, respectively), and UAU was associated with lack of viral suppression (ARR = 0.78, 95 % CI: 0.63-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest any and unhealthy alcohol use is common and associated with poor HIV-related outcomes in this population. Regular alcohol screening and intervention should be offered, potentially targeted to subgroups (e.g., those with other substance use).

Reduction in Drinking was Associated With Improved Clinical Outcomes in Women With HIV Infection and Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Results From a Randomized Clinical Trial of Oral Naltrexone Versus Placebo

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption is associated with poor health outcomes in women living with HIV (WLWH), but whether medication can help to reduce drinking in non-treatment-seeking women or whether reduction in drinking improves HIV outcomes is unclear. We conducted a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of daily oral naltrexone (50 mg) versus placebo in WLWH who met criteria for current unhealthy alcohol use.

METHODS

WLWH with current unhealthy alcohol use (>7 drinks/wk or >3 drinks/occasion) were randomly assigned to daily oral naltrexone 50 mg (n = 96) or placebo (n = 98) for 4 months. Drinking outcomes, including the proportion of women who reduced (

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 48 years, 86% were African American, and 94% were receiving HIV antiretroviral therapy. Among all participants, 89% and 85% completed the 4-month and 7-month follow-ups, respectively. Participants in both groups substantially reduced drinking over time. At 1 and 3 months, naltrexone was associated with a greater reduction in drinking (p < 0.05), but the proportion who reduced/quit drinking at 4 months (52% vs. 45%, p = 0.36) or 7 months (64% in both groups) was not different. HIV viral suppression at follow-up was significantly better in participants who reduced/quit drinking versus those continuing unhealthy alcohol use at 4 months (72% vs. 53%, p = 0.02) and 7 months (74% vs. 54%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in an RCT to reduce drinking was associated with significant drinking reduction regardless of medication assignment, suggesting that nonmedication aspects of research study participation (e.g., repeated assessments and support from research staff) could be important interventions to help reduce drinking outside of research studies. Drinking reduction was associated with improved HIV viral suppression, providing evidence to support recommendations to avoid unhealthy alcohol use among WLWH.

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Key Words

• Alcohol Consumption
• HIV Infection
• Pharmacotherapy
• Randomized Clinical Trial
• Women

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MESH Headings

• Alcohol Deterrents/therapeutic use
• Alcohol Drinking/drug therapy
• Alcohol-Related Disorders/complications
• Alcohol-Related Disorders/drug therapy
• Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count/statistics & numerical data
• Female
• HIV Infections/complications
• HIV Infections/drug therapy
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Naltrexone/therapeutic use
• Treatment Outcome
• Viral Load/statistics & numerical data

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Grants

• U24 AA022002 NIAAA NIH HHS
• U01 AA020797 NIAAA NIH HHS
• U24 AA022003 NIAAA NIH HHS
• UL1 TR000460 NCATS NIH HHS
• P01 AA029543 NIAAA NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

Robert L. Cook Department of Epidemiology, (RLC, ZZ), University of Florida, Gainesville
Zhi Zhou Department of Epidemiology, (RLC, ZZ), University of Florida, Gainesville
Maria Jose Miguez Florida, School of Integrated Science and Humanity, (MJM, CQ), Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Clery Quiros Florida, School of Integrated Science and Humanity, (MJM, CQ), Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Luis Espinoza Public Health & Medical Affairs, (LE), Gilead Sciences Inc., Miami, Florida
John E. Lewis Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, (JEL), University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Babette Brumback Biostatistics, (BB), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Kendall Bryant Alcohol and HIV/AIDS Research, (KB), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland

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HIV Disease Severity Is Sensitive to Temporal Changes in Alcohol Use: A National Study of VA Patients With HIV

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use influences HIV disease severity through multiple mechanisms. Whether HIV disease severity is sensitive to changes in alcohol use among people with HIV (PWH) is understudied.

SETTING

National Veterans Health Administration.

METHODS

Pairs of AUDIT-C screens within 9-15 months (February 1, 2008-September 30, 2014) were identified among PWH from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS). Initial and follow-up VACS Index 2.0 pairs obtained 0-270 days after initial and follow-up AUDIT-Cs, respectively, determined change in VACS Index 2.0, a composite HIV severity measure. Change in VACS Index 2.0 was regressed on AUDIT-C change scores (-12 to +12) adjusted for demographics, initial VACS Index 2.0, and days between VACS Index measures.

RESULTS

Among 23,297 PWH (76,202 observations), most had no (51%) or low-level (38%) alcohol use initially. Most (54%) had no subsequent change; 21% increased and 24% decreased drinking. Initial VACS Index 2.0 scores ranged from 0 to 134, change scores ranged from -65 to +73, with average improvement of 0.76 points (SD 9.48). AUDIT-C change was associated with VACS Index 2.0 change (P < 0.001). Among those with stable alcohol use (AUDIT-C change ≤ │1│ point), VACS Index 2.0 improvements ranged 0.36-0.60 points. For those with maximum AUDIT-C increase (change from 0 to 12), VACS Index 2.0 worsened 3.74 points (95% CI: -4.71 to -2.78); for those with maximum AUDIT-C decrease (change from 12 to 0), VACS Index 2.0 changed minimally [-0.60 (95% CI: -1.43 to 0.23)].

CONCLUSIONS

In this national sample, improvement in HIV severity was generally greatest among those with stable alcohol use (primarily those with no use).

Utility of routine alcohol screening for monitoring changes in alcohol consumption

BACKGROUND

Routine alcohol screening scores are increasingly available in electronic health records (EHRs). Changes in such scores could be useful for monitoring response to brief intervention or treatment of alcohol use disorder. However, it is unclear whether changes in clinically-documented AUDIT-C alcohol screening scores reflect true changes in drinking. This study evaluated associations between changes in EHR AUDIT-C scores and changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), a laboratory test that reflects average alcohol consumption.

METHODS

National U.S. Veterans Affairs EHR data (2004-2007) were used to identify patients screened with the AUDIT-C (0-12 points), on two occasions at least a year apart, who had HDL measured in the year after each screen. First differencing linear regression estimated associations between changes in AUDIT-C score (-12 to 12 points; modeled categorically to allow for non-linear associations) and subsequent changes in HDL (mg/dL), adjusting for baseline HDL. Additional analyses evaluated whether associations between changes in AUDIT-C and changes in HDL were modified by baseline AUDIT-C.

RESULTS

Among 316,712 patients, increases-but not decreases-in AUDIT-C scores were associated with commensurate changes in HDL. However, a significant interaction was observed with baseline AUDIT-C score (p < 0.00001), which revealed that decreases in AUDIT-C scores were also associated with commensurate decreases in HDL (p-values<0.05) except among the 1.5% of patients with the highest baseline AUDIT-C scores (10-12).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that changes in EHR AUDIT-C scores reflect changes in drinking. These results support the use of clinically-documented alcohol screening scores for monitoring patients' alcohol use over time.

Differences in Receipt of Alcohol-Related Care Across Rurality Among VA Patients Living With HIV With Unhealthy Alcohol Use

PURPOSE

It is unknown whether receipt of evidence-based alcohol-related care varies by rurality among people living with HIV (PLWH) with unhealthy alcohol use-a population for whom such care is particularly important.

METHODS

All positive screens for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5) among PLWH were identified using Veterans Health Administration electronic health record data (10/1/09-5/30/13). Three domains of alcohol-related care were assessed: brief intervention (BI) within 14 days, and specialty addictions treatment or alcohol use disorder (AUD) medications (filled prescription for naltrexone, disulfiram, acamprosate, or topiramate) within 1 year of positive screen. Adjusted Poisson models and recycled predictions were used to estimate predicted prevalence of outcomes across rurality (urban, large rural, small rural), clustered on facility. Secondary analyses assessed outcomes in the subsample with documented AUD.

FINDINGS

4,581 positive screens representing 3,458 PLWH (3,112 urban, 130 large rural, and 216 small rural) were included; 49.1% had diagnosed AUD. PLWH in large rural areas had highest receipt of BI (urban 56.6%, 95% CI: 55.0-58.2; large rural 66.0%, CI: 58.6-73.5; small rural 60.7%, CI: 54.6-67.0). PLWH in urban areas had highest receipt of specialty addictions treatment (urban 28.2%, CI: 26.7-29.8; large rural 19.7%, CI: 13.1-26.2; small rural 19.6%, CI: 14.1-25.0). There was no difference in receipt of AUD medications, although overall receipt was low (3%-4%). Results were similar in the subsample with AUD.

CONCLUSION

Among PLWH with unhealthy alcohol use, those in rural areas may be vulnerable to under-receipt of specialty addictions treatment. Targeted interventions may help ensure PLWH receive recommended care regardless of rurality.

Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Patients Living With HIV in Urban, Large Rural, and Small Rural Areas

BACKGROUND

For people living with HIV (PLWH), alcohol use is harmful and may be influenced by unique challenges faced by PLWH living in rural areas. We describe patterns of alcohol use across rurality among PLWH.

METHODS

Veterans Aging Cohort Study electronic health record data were used to identify patients with HIV (ICD-9 codes for HIV or AIDS) who completed AUDIT-C alcohol screening between February 1, 2008, and September 30, 2014. Regression models estimated and compared 4 alcohol use outcomes (any use [AUDIT-C > 0] and alcohol use disorder [AUD; ICD-9 codes for abuse or dependence] diagnoses among all PLWH, and AUDIT-C risk categories: lower- [1-3 men/1-2 women], moderate- [4-5 men/3-5 women], higher- 6-7]), and severe-risk [8-12], and heavy episodic drinking (HED; ≥1 past-year occasion) among PLWH reporting use) across rurality (urban, large rural, small rural) and census-defined region.

FINDINGS

Among 32,699 PLWH (29,540 urban, 1,301 large rural, and 1,828 small rural), both any alcohol use and AUD were highest in urban areas, although this varied across region. Predicted prevalence of any alcohol use was 54.1% (53.5%-54.7%) in urban, 49.6% (46.9%-52.3%) in large rural, and 50.6% (48.3%-52.9%) in small rural areas (P < .01). Predicted prevalence of AUD was 14.4% (14.0%-14.8%) in urban, 11.8% (10.0%-13.5%) in large rural, and 12.3% (10.8%-13.8%) in small rural areas (P < .01). Approximately 12% and 25% had higher- or severe-risk drinking and HED, respectively, but neither differed across rurality.

CONCLUSION

Though some variation across rurality and region was observed, alcohol-related interventions are needed for PLWH across all geographic locations.