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Parisi CE, Wang Y, Varma DS, Vaddiparti K, Ibañez GE, Carrillo LC, Cook RL. Changes in frequency of cannabis use among people with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods study to explore the underlying reasons for change. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:470-480. [PMID: 36898081 PMCID: PMC10695005 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2176234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: People with HIV (PWH) report higher rates of cannabis use than the general population. It is unclear how cannabis use among PWH has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for the health and wellbeing of PWH.Objectives: To describe changes in frequency of cannabis use among a sample of PWH during the pandemic, reasons for those changes, and implications of the findings.Methods: The data are cross-sectional and come from questions asked in a follow-up phone survey administered to a prospective cohort of PWH in Florida between May 2020 and March 2021. Participants who used cannabis were asked about changes in their frequency of cannabis use in a quantitative survey and reasons for changes in a qualitative open-ended question. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Among 227 PWH (mean age 50, 50% men, 69% Black/African American, 14% Hispanic/Latino), 13% decreased frequency of cannabis, 11% increased frequency, and 76% reported no change. The most common reasons for increasing frequency of cannabis use were reducing anxiety/stress, trying to relax, coping with grief or reducing symptoms of depression, and reducing boredom during the pandemic. Supply or access issues, health concerns, and having already wanted to reduce cannabis use were common reasons for decreased frequency.Conclusion: Nearly 25% of the sample changed their cannabis use frequency during the pandemic. These findings shed light on the behaviors and motivations of PWH who use cannabis and can inform clinical practice and interventions during public health emergencies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Deepthi S. Varma
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | | | - Gladys E. Ibañez
- Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL USA
| | | | - Robert L. Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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Manuzak JA, Granche J, Tassiopoulos K, Rower JE, Knox JR, Williams DW, Ellis RJ, Goodkin K, Sharma A, Erlandson KM. Cannabis Use Is Associated With Decreased Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Older Adults With HIV. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofac699. [PMID: 36726540 PMCID: PMC9879711 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conflicting evidence exists on the impact of cannabis use on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We leveraged data collected among older PWH to characterize longitudinal associations between cannabis use and ART adherence. Methods AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5322 study participants were categorized as <100% (≥1 missed dose in past 7 days) or 100% (no missed doses) ART adherent. Participants self-reported current (past month), intermittent (past year but not past month), and no cannabis (in past year) use at each study visit. Generalized linear models using generalized estimating equations were fit and inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for time-varying confounders and loss to follow-up. Results Among 1011 participants (median age, 51 years), 18% reported current, 6% intermittent, and 76% no cannabis use at baseline; 88% reported 100% ART adherence. Current cannabis users were more likely to be <100% adherent than nonusers (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.53 [95% CI, 1.11-2.10]). There was no association between ART adherence and current versus intermittent (aRR, 1.39 [95% CI, .85-2.28]) or intermittent versus no cannabis use (aRR, 1.04 [95% CI, .62-1.73]). Conclusions Among a cohort of older PWH, current cannabis users had a higher risk of <100% ART adherence compared to nonusers. These findings have important clinical implications as suboptimal ART adherence is associated with ART drug resistance, virologic failure, and elevated risk for mortality. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which cannabis use decreases ART adherence in older PWH and to advance the development of more efficacious methods to mitigate nonadherence in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Manuzak
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Janeway Granche
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine Tassiopoulos
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph E Rower
- Center for Human Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Justin R Knox
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Science, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dionna W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Karl Goodkin
- Consultant, AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Consultant, Chronic HIV Infection in Aging and NeuroAIDS Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Kristine M Erlandson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Algarin AB, Plazarte GN, Sovich KR, Seeger SD, Li Y, Cohen RA, Striley CW, Goldberger BA, Wang Y, Somboonwit C, Ibañez GE, Spencer EC, Cook RL. Marijuana Use and Health Outcomes in Persons Living With HIV: Protocol for the Marijuana Associated Planning and Long-term Effects (MAPLE) Longitudinal Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37153. [PMID: 36040775 PMCID: PMC9472048 DOI: 10.2196/37153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana use is common in persons with HIV, but there is limited evidence of its relationship with potential health benefits or harms. OBJECTIVE The Marijuana Associated Planning and Long-term Effects (MAPLE) study was designed to evaluate the impact of marijuana use on HIV-related health outcomes, cognitive function, and systemic inflammation. METHODS The MAPLE study is a longitudinal cohort study of participants living with HIV who were recruited from 3 locations in Florida and were either current marijuana users or never regular marijuana users. At enrollment, participants completed questionnaires that included detailed marijuana use assessments, underwent interviewer-administered neurocognitive assessments, and provided blood and urine samples. Ongoing follow-ups included brief telephone assessments (every 3 months), detailed questionnaires (annually), repeated blood and urine samples (2 years), and linkage to medical records and statewide HIV surveillance data. Supplemental measures related to intracellular RNA, COVID-19, Alzheimer disease, and the gut microbiome were added after study initiation. RESULTS The MAPLE study completed enrollment of 333 persons between 2018 and 2021. The majority of participants in the sample were ≥50 years of age (200/333, 60.1%), male (181/333, 54.4%), cisgender men (173/329, 52.6%), non-Hispanic Black (221/333, 66.4%), and self-reported marijuana users (260/333, 78.1%). Participant follow-up was completed in 2022, with annual updates to HIV surveillance data through at least 2027. CONCLUSIONS The MAPLE study is the largest cohort specifically designed to understand the use of marijuana and its effects on HIV-related outcomes. The study population has significant diversity across age, sex, gender, and race. The data will help clinicians and public health officials to better understand patterns of marijuana use associated with both positive and negative health outcomes, and may inform recommendations for future clinical trials related to medical marijuana and HIV. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/37153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel B Algarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriela N Plazarte
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlin R Sovich
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Stella D Seeger
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yancheng Li
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ronald A Cohen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Catherine W Striley
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Charurut Somboonwit
- Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gladys E Ibañez
- Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Emma C Spencer
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Robert L Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Harris LM, Silverstein SM, Crawford TN, Kerr JC, Ball D. Exploring the Impacts of Alcohol and Other Drug Use on HIV Care Among Older African American Adults in Kentucky: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2022; 33:333-347. [PMID: 34907970 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This grounded theory study examined the use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) on the management of HIV disease among 27 older African Americans (≥50 years). Interview transcripts were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory analytic techniques. Participants reported facing (a) environmental impacts of AOD use and (b) discrimination from the health care system. The analysis revealed six phases of AOD use, occurring at various stages of the HIV care continuum: (a) linking AOD use as the cause of HIV diagnosis, (b) having AOD use facilitate denial of HIV, (c) experiencing problematic use as a barrier to care engagement, (d) "testing the waters," (e) relying on AIDS service organizations and medical providers, and (f) changing or maintaining patterns of AOD use to maintain engagement with care. Recommendations include assessing a patient's AOD use in relationship to the care continuum to evaluate patients' experiences and barriers within systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley M Harris
- Lesley M. Harris, PhD, MSW, is an Associate Professor, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Sydney M. Silverstein, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Center for Interventions, Treatment, and Addictions Research, Kettering, Ohio, USA. Timothy N. Crawford, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Kettering, Ohio, USA. Jelani C. Kerr, PhD, MPH, is an Associate Professor, University of Louisville, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Diana Ball, MSW, is a PhD Candidate, University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Khoury M, Cohen I, Bar-Sela G. “The Two Sides of the Same Coin”—Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020389. [PMID: 35214123 PMCID: PMC8877666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, as a natural medicinal remedy, has long been used for palliative treatment to alleviate the side effects caused by diseases. Cannabis-based products isolated from plant extracts exhibit potent immunoregulatory properties, reducing chronic inflammatory processes and providing much needed pain relief. They are a proven effective solution for treatment-based side effects, easing the resulting symptoms of the disease. However, we discuss the fact that cannabis use may promote the progression of a range of malignancies, interfere with anti-cancer immunotherapy, or increase susceptibility to viral infections and transmission. Most cannabis preparations or isolated active components cause an overall potent immunosuppressive impact among users, posing a considerable hazard to patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems. In this review, current knowledge and perceptions of cannabis or cannabinoids and their impact on various immune-system components will be discussed as the “two sides of the same coin” or “double-edged sword”, referring to something that can have both favorable and unfavorable consequences. We propose that much is still unknown about adverse reactions to its use, and its integration with medical treatment should be conducted cautiously with consideration of the individual patient, effector cells, microenvironment, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Khoury
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
| | - Idan Cohen
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, 21 Yitzhak Rabin Blvd, Afula 1834111, Israel; (M.K.); (I.C.)
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200002, Israel
- Oncology & Hematology Division, Emek Medical Center, Yitshak Rabin Boulevard 21, Afula 1834111, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-6495725; Fax: +972-4-6163992
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Aly E, Masocha W. Targeting the endocannabinoid system for management of HIV-associated neuropathic pain: A systematic review. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:109-118. [PMID: 34179865 PMCID: PMC8211923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy can independently induce HIV-associated neuropathic pain (HIV-NP). There is a dearth of drugs or therapeutic modalities that can alleviate HIV-NP. Smoked cannabis has been reported to improve pain measures in patients with neuropathic pain. Cannabis, phytocannabinoids, and the endocannabinoids such N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), produce some of their effects via cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). Endocannabinoids are degraded by various enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu using various key words and their combinations for published papers that studied HIV-NP and cannabis, cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids up to 27th December 2020. All original research articles that evaluated the efficacy of molecules that modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) for the prevention and/or treatment of pain in HIV-NP animal models and patients with HIV-NP were included. The PubMed search produced a total of 117 articles, whereas the Google Scholar search produced a total of 9467 articles. Amongst the 13 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria 11 articles were found in both searches whereas 2 articles were found in Google Scholar only. The clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu searches produced five registered trials of which three were completed and with results. Ten preclinical studies found that the endocannabinoids (2-AG and AEA), synthetic mixed CB1R/CB2R agonist WIN 55,212-2, a CB2R-selective phytocannabinoid β-caryophyllene, synthetic CB2R-selective agonists (AM1710, JWH015, JWH133 and Gp1a, but not HU308); FAAH inhibitors (palmitoylallylamide, URB597 and PF-3845) and a drug combination of indomethacin plus minocycline, which produces its effects in a CBR-dependent manner, either prevented the development of and/or attenuated established HIV-NP. Two clinical trials demonstrated greater efficacy of smoked cannabis over placebo in alleviating HIV-NP, whereas another clinical trial demonstrated that cannabidivarin, a cannabinoid that does not activate CBRs, did not reduce HIV-NP. The available preclinical results suggest that targeting the ECS for prevention and treatment of HIV-NP is a plausible therapeutic option. Clinical evidence shows that smoked cannabis alleviates HIV-NP. Further research is needed to find out if non-psychoactive drugs that target the ECS and are delivered by other routes than smoking could be useful as treatment options for HIV-NP.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonoylglycerol
- ABHD12, α-β-hydrolase domain-containing 12
- ABHD6, α-β-hydrolase domain-containing 6
- AEA, N-arachidonoylethanolamine
- AEs, adverse effects
- Antiretroviral
- BCP, β-caryophyllene
- CB1R, cannabinoid type 1 receptor
- CB2R, cannabinoid type 2 receptor
- CBD, cannabidiol
- CBDV, cannabidivarin
- CBRs, cannabinoid receptors
- CINP, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
- CNS, central nervous system
- COX, cyclooxygenase
- Cannabinoid
- Cannabis
- DAG, diacylglycerol
- DAGL, DAG lipase
- DDS, descriptor differential scale
- DSP, distal symmetric polyneuropathy
- ECS, endocannabinoid system
- Endocannabinoid
- FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- GPCRs, G protein-coupled receptors
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- HIV-DSP, HIV-distal symmetric polyneuropathy
- HIV-NP, HIV-associated neuropathic pain
- Human immunodeficiency virus
- IPM, indomethacin plus minocycline
- L-29, palmitoylallylamide
- MAGL, monoacylglycerol lipase
- MAIDS, murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
- NAPE, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine
- NAPE-PLD, NAPE-specific phospholipase D
- NP, neuropathic pain
- NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Neuropathic pain
- OTC, over the counter
- PLWH, people living with HIV
- PNP, peripheral neuropathic pain
- RCTs, randomised clinical trials
- SAMRC, South African Medical Research Council
- TRPA, transient receptor potential ankyrin
- TRPV, transient receptor potential vanilloid
- WHO, World Health Organization
- ddC, 2′-3′-dideoxycytidine
- delta-9-THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
- gp, glycoprotein
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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Alon L, Bruce D, Blocker O, Bouris AM, Reirden DH, Schneider JA. Perceptions of quality and safety in cannabis acquisition amongst young gay and bisexual men living with HIV/AIDS who use cannabis: Impact of legalisation and dispensaries. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:103035. [PMID: 33310342 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upwards of 35% of young gay and bisexual men living with HIV report daily use of cannabis in the U.S. The effects of legalisation of recreational and medical cannabis on the acquisition of cannabis products amongst a group with such high prevalence of use is largely unknown. METHODS We investigated potential effects of recent legalisation and changes in distribution venues/networks in U.S. jurisdictions (Denver and Chicago) with different legal statuses regarding medical and recreational cannabis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 young gay and bisexual men living with HIV recruited from adolescent HIV clinics and service sites in the two cities. RESULTS Findings indicate four domains in which the acquisition of cannabis from medical or recreational dispensaries was differentiated by participants from acquisition from illicit drug distribution networks: quality of information, perceived quality of products, safety of acquisition, and safety of products. Some participants expressed reservations in becoming involved with requirements for accessing legal distribution of medical and recreational cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that young men living with HIV in Denver perceive benefits from legalisation of cannabis in terms of quality of information and products and safety of acquisition for a range of medical, therapeutic, and recreational uses. Participants in Chicago report mixed levels of knowledge of potential benefits through the medical cannabis dispensaries in their area, and continue to be exposed to safety risks associated with street-based acquisition. Concerns regarding institutional involvement in medical cannabis registries and dispensaries may inhibit the uptake of legal means of acquisition in sub-populations of young men living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Alon
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States.
| | - Douglas Bruce
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, 1110W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
| | - Olivia Blocker
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States; School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, 969 E 60th st Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Alida M Bouris
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States; School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, 969 E 60th st Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Daniel H Reirden
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 1525 E 55th st, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
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Kallianpur KJ, Birn R, Ndhlovu LC, Souza SA, Mitchell B, Paul R, Chow DC, Kohorn L, Shikuma CM. Impact of Cannabis Use on Brain Structure and Function in Suppressed HIV Infection. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCE 2020; 10:344-370. [PMID: 32968547 DOI: 10.4236/jbbs.2020.108022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain atrophy and cognitive deficits persist among individuals with suppressed HIV disease. The impact of cannabis use is unknown. METHODS HIV+ and HIV- participants underwent cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing. Lifetime frequency, duration (years), and recency of cannabis use were self-reported. Relationships of cannabis use to resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and to 9 regional brain volumes were assessed with corrections for multiple comparisons. Peripheral blood cytokines and monocyte subsets were measured in the HIV+ group and examined in relation to cannabis exposure. RESULTS We evaluated 52 HIV+ [50.8 ± 7.1 years old; 100% on antiretroviral therapy ≥ 3 months; 83% with plasma viral load < 50 copies/mL] and 55 HIV- [54.0 ± 7.5 years old] individuals. Among HIV+ participants, recent cannabis use (within 12 months) was associated with diminished RSFC, including of occipital cortex, controlling for age. Duration of use correlated negatively with volumes of all regions (most strikingly the nucleus accumbens) independently of recent use and intracranial volume. Recent use was associated with larger caudate and white matter volumes and lower soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations. Duration of use correlated positively with psychomotor speed. Use > 10 times/lifetime was linked to more somatic symptoms, better executive function, and lower CD14+CD16++ monocyte count. CONCLUSION HIV+ individuals demonstrated opposing associations with cannabis. Recent use may weaken RSFC and prolonged consumption may exacerbate atrophy of the accumbens and other brain regions. More frequent or recent cannabis use may reduce the inflammation and CD14+CD16++ monocytes that facilitate HIV neuroinvasion. HIV-specific cannabis studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana J Kallianpur
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Rasmus Birn
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott A Souza
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
- The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Brooks Mitchell
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dominic C Chow
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Lindsay Kohorn
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Cecilia M Shikuma
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Self-reported Cannabis Use and Changes in Body Mass Index, CD4 T-Cell Counts, and HIV-1 RNA Suppression in Treated Persons with HIV. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1275-1280. [PMID: 30778810 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use is prevalent among HIV-positive persons, but evidence regarding the impact of cannabis in HIV-positive persons is limited. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HIV-positive adults initiating their first antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen. A dedicated intake form assessed self-reported cannabis use in the preceding 7 days at each visit. The relationships between time-varying cannabis use and body mass index (BMI), CD4+ T-cell count, and HIV-1 RNA levels were assessed using random effects models adjusted for age, sex, race, and other reported substance use. 4290 patient-visits from 2008 to 2011 were available from 1010 patients. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in CD4+ T-cell count and BMI across multiple adjusted models using different measures of cannabis use (ever use during the study period, any use, and number of times used in the preceding 7 days). Cannabis use by all three measures was associated with greater odds of having a detectable viral load at a given visit than no reported use (OR 2.02, 1.72, and 1.08, respectively; all adjusted p < 0.05). Self-reported cannabis use was not associated with changes in BMI or CD4+ T-cell count in ART-naïve HIV-positive persons starting treatment. However, reported cannabis use by multiple categories was associated with having a detectable HIV-1 RNA during the study period. Associations between cannabis use, adherence, and HIV-related outcomes merit further study.
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Montgomery L, Bagot K, Brown JL, Haeny AM. The Association Between Marijuana Use and HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 16:17-28. [PMID: 30671919 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00422-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Approximately 77% of HIV-infected adults report lifetime marijuana use. Given the high rates and social acceptability of marijuana use among HIV-infected individuals, it is important to gain a stronger understanding of if, and how, marijuana impacts HIV care cascade outcomes. The purpose of this study is to systematically review recent articles that assess the relationship between marijuana use and HIV continuum of care outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS One hundred and ninety articles from PubMed were considered for inclusion, and 15 were included in the review. The studies focus on marijuana use among HIV-infected individuals aware of their serostatus (k = 4), individuals engaged in treatment (k = 1), marijuana use in association with adherence to antiretroviral medications (k = 6), and marijuana use in relation to multiple stages of the HIV care cascade (k = 4). Preliminary findings from the small number of studies revealed an association between marijuana use, especially current heavy use, and HIV seropositivity. However, results from studies assessing marijuana use and treatment engagement and adherence to antiretroviral medications were inconsistent and inconclusive. Additional research is needed to assess the nuanced relationship between marijuana use and HIV continuum of care outcomes, especially among subgroups of HIV-infected individuals, such as men who have sex with men and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaTrice Montgomery
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Suite 104, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Kara Bagot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, MC 0405, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Addiction Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Suite 104, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Angela M Haeny
- Division of Prevention and Community Research, Yale School of Medicine, The Consultation Center, 389 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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Bruce D, Bouris AM, Bowers S, Blocker O, Lee SY, Glidden MF, Schneider JA, Reirden DH. Medical, therapeutic, and recreational use of cannabis among young men who have sex with men living with HIV. ADDICTION RESEARCH & THEORY 2019; 28:250-259. [PMID: 32952491 PMCID: PMC7500448 DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2019.1629427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis plays a role in symptoms management in HIV, especially the alleviation of pain and nausea and stimulation of appetite, and prevalence of cannabis use in HIV-positive populations exceeds that of the general U.S. population. Previous research has described an "overlap" between medical and recreational cannabis use among persons living with HIV. To understand better the motives associated cannabis use among young men who have sex with men living with HIV (HIV+ YMSM), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 HIV+YMSM in Denver and Chicago. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded by a diverse team of analysts. In addition to findings that mapped onto previously identified medical motives and recreational motives, we identified several themes that straddled medical and recreational use in a domain we describe as therapeutic. Themes identified in this therapeutic domain of cannabis use include (a) enhanced introspection among individuals that promotes psychological adjustment to an HIV diagnosis, improved medical management, and future orientation; (b) reflection processes that mitigate interpersonal conflict and improve interpersonal communication; and (c) a social-therapeutic phenomena of cannabis use among young persons with living HIV that is characterized by both enhanced introspection and improved interpersonal communication. Our findings suggest a spectrum of cannabis use among HIV+ YMSM that may be characterized not only by an overlap between medical and recreational use, but also by a distinct therapeutic domain that incorporates stress alleviation and cognitive expansion processes to improve focus on HIV management and self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bruce
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
| | - Alida M. Bouris
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Shannon Bowers
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
| | - Olivia Blocker
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Soo Young Lee
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mary F. Glidden
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - John A. Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Daniel H. Reirden
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Chou FY, Armstrong HL, Wang L, Bacani N, Lachowsky NJ, Patterson TL, Walsh Z, Olarewaju G, Card KG, Roth EA, Hogg RS, Moore DM. A longitudinal analysis of cannabis use and mental health symptoms among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada. J Affect Disord 2019; 247:125-133. [PMID: 30665075 PMCID: PMC6588188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use, anxiety, and depression are common among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and some report using cannabis to manage mental health symptoms. METHODS Sexually-active gbMSM aged ≥16 years were recruited into a longitudinal cohort through respondent-driven sampling and completed study visits every six months. Data on demographics, drug use, and anxiety and depression symptoms were collected via a self-administered computer-based survey. A study nurse determined previous mental health diagnoses and treatment. Using multivariable generalized linear mixed models, we examined factors associated with regular cannabis use (≥weekly in the previous 3 months) and, among individuals who reported anxiety or depression/bipolar diagnoses, factors associated with moderate/severe anxiety or depression symptoms. RESULTS Of 774 participants (551 HIV-negative, 223 HIV-seropositive), 250 (32.3%) reported regular cannabis use, 200 (26.4%) reported ever being diagnosed with anxiety, and 299 (39.3%) reported ever being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder at baseline. Regular cannabis use was positively associated with HIV-seropositivity (aOR = 2.23, 95%CI:1.40-3.54) and previous mental health diagnosis (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.00-2.31, p = 0.05). Among those previously diagnosed with anxiety or depression/bipolar disorder, regular cannabis use was not associated with moderate/severe anxiety (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:0.69-1.94) or depression symptoms (aOR = 0.96, 95%CI:0.59-1.58), respectively. LIMITATIONS Because of observational study design, we are unable to determine absolute effect. CONCLUSIONS Regular cannabis use was more likely among HIV-positive gbMSM and those previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder. No association was found between regular cannabis use and severity of anxious or depressive symptoms among those diagnosed with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Y Chou
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather L Armstrong
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lu Wang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nicanor Bacani
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Zach Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Gbolahan Olarewaju
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kiffer G Card
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Okafor CN, Plankey MW, Li M, Chen X, Surkan PJ, Shoptaw S, Martin E, Cohen R, Sacktor N, Cook RL. Association of Marijuana Use with Changes in Cognitive Processing Speed and Flexibility for 17 Years in HIV-Seropositive and HIV-Seronegative Men. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:525-537. [PMID: 30700235 PMCID: PMC6443451 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1495736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term effects of marijuana on cognition, particularly in the context of HIV is not clear, as extant research shows mixed findings. OBJECTIVE To determine associations between current and cumulative exposure to marijuana and changes in cognitive processing speed and flexibility in 788 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and 1,132 HIV-seronegative (HIV-) men followed for up to 17 years in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. RESULTS Among HIV+ men only, current daily marijuana use compared to none-use, was significantly associated with a greater annual percentage decline in cognitive processing speed assessed with the Trail Making Test A (TMTA) (β=-0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.88, -0.03, p=0.03)] and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (β= -0.14, 95% CI: -0.28, -0.01, p=0.04). Further, monthly marijuana use was associated with greater annual percentage decline in cognitive flexibility assessed with the Trail Making Test B (TMTB) (β= -0.70, 95% CI: -1.34, -0.05; p=0.03] and cognitive processing speed (SDMT) (β= -0.21, 95% CI: -0.40, -0.01, p=0.03). Among the HIV- men only, each 5-marijuana use-years (equivalent to 5-years of daily marijuana use) was significantly associated with a 0.17 annual percentage decline in cognitive processing speed only (TMTA) (β= -0.18, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.01; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that marijuana use, particularly current use, may be associated with worse cognitive processing speed, but the magnitude of the estimates was not clinically meaningful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N Okafor
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California , USA.,b David Geffen School of Medicine , Department of Family Medicine at University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Michael W Plankey
- c Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington, DC , USA
| | - Michael Li
- b David Geffen School of Medicine , Department of Family Medicine at University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Xinguang Chen
- d Department of Epidemiology , College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida , USA
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- e Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- b David Geffen School of Medicine , Department of Family Medicine at University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Eileen Martin
- f Department of Psychiatry , Rush University Medical Center , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Ronald Cohen
- g Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Institute on Aging, and the Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Aging and Geriatric Research , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida , USA
| | - Ned Sacktor
- h Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center , John Hopkins University , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Robert L Cook
- d Department of Epidemiology , College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida , USA
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14
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Towe SL, Horton OE, Martin B, Meade CS. A Comparison of Motivations for Marijuana Use in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Adults. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2807-2814. [PMID: 29704162 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
While medicinal marijuana use is common among persons with HIV, it is not known whether persons with HIV are more motivated to use marijuana medically compared to HIV-negative counterparts. This study examined motivations for marijuana use in a sample of 94 HIV+ and HIV- adults. Participants used marijuana 21.27 days in the last 30 days on average. HIV+ participants reported using marijuana for medical reasons more often than HIV- participants, but HIV+ and HIV- participants did not differ in other domains. Problematic marijuana use was associated with motives, regardless of HIV status. Motives were associated with mental and physical health functioning, but there were no interactions between motivations and HIV status. Overall this study found that motivations were similar for HIV+ and HIV- participants. Future research including qualitative work to further understand motivations would benefit the field, as would research examining the effectiveness of marijuana in treating physical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri L Towe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Olivia E Horton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Bianca Martin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Christina S Meade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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15
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Adams JW, Bryant KJ, Edelman EJ, Fiellin DA, Gaither JR, Gordon AJ, Gordon KS, Kraemer KL, Mimiaga MJ, Operario D, Tate JP, van den Berg JJ, Justice AC, Marshall BDL. Association of Cannabis, Stimulant, and Alcohol use with Mortality Prognosis Among HIV-Infected Men. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1341-1351. [PMID: 28887669 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Questionnaires over a 9-year study period (2002-2010) were used to characterize cannabis, stimulant, and alcohol use among 3099 HIV-infected men participating in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) to determine whether use of these substances is associated with changes in the VACS Index, a validated prognostic indicator for all-cause mortality. At baseline, 18% of participants reported no substance use in the past year, 24% lower risk alcohol use only, 18% unhealthy alcohol use only, 15% cannabis use (with or without alcohol), and 24% stimulant use (with or without alcohol or cannabis). In adjusted longitudinal analyses, cannabis use [β = -0.97 (95% CI -1.93, 0.00), p = 0.048] was not associated with mortality risk, while stimulant use [1.08 (0.16, 2.00), p = 0.021] was associated with an increased mortality risk, compared to lower risk alcohol use. Our findings show no evidence of a negative effect of cannabis use on mortality risk, while stimulant use was associated with increased mortality risk among HIV-infected men. Interventions to reduce stimulant use in this patient population may reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlla W Adams
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kendall J Bryant
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A Fiellin
- Division of General Internal Medicine and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julie R Gaither
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kirsha S Gordon
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Don Operario
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Janet P Tate
- Division of General Internal Medicine and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Amy C Justice
- Division of General Internal Medicine and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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16
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Mannes ZL, Burrell LE, Ferguson EG, Zhou Z, Lu H, Somboonwit C, Cook RL, Ennis N. The association of therapeutic versus recreational marijuana use and antiretroviral adherence among adults living with HIV in Florida. Patient Prefer Adherence 2018; 12:1363-1372. [PMID: 30100713 PMCID: PMC6067624 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s167826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Marijuana use is common among people living with HIV (PLWH), but its association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is unclear. This study examined the association between reason for marijuana use and ART adherence in a sample of adults living with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants (N=703) recruited from seven community health centers in Florida completed a 45-minute questionnaire assessing demographics, symptoms of anxiety and depression, ART adherence, and substance use, including reasons for marijuana use. ART adherence was defined as the proportion of days in the last 30 days participants did not miss any medication and dichotomized as optimal (≥95%) and suboptimal (<95%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed the association between therapeutic marijuana use to manage HIV symptoms (ie, improve appetite/gain weight, induce sleep, relieve nausea/vomiting, relieve pain, relieve anxiety/depression/stress) versus recreational marijuana use and ART adherence. RESULTS Approximately one third (33.2%) of the participants reported using marijuana in the past 3 months. Of marijuana users, 21.8% reported using marijuana only for therapeutic purposes to manage HIV-associated medical symptoms, while 78.2% reported recreational use. After controlling for covariates, therapeutic use of marijuana was not associated with ART adherence (AOR =1.19, 95% CI =0.60-2.38, p=0.602) while recreational marijuana users showed significantly greater odds of suboptimal ART adherence compared to nonusers (AOR =1.80, 95% CI =1.18-2.72, p=0.005). CONCLUSION Our results suggest differences in ART adherence between individuals who report recreational versus therapeutic marijuana use. Continued research examining the health implications of marijuana use among adults living with HIV is important as legalization of recreational and medical marijuana proliferates in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Mannes
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,
| | - Larry E Burrell
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,
| | - Erin G Ferguson
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Huiyin Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Charurut Somboonwit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robert L Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Ennis
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,
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Sinha S, McCaul ME, Hutton HE, Monroe AK, Alvanzo A, Lesko C, Lau B, Keruly J, Moore RD, Chander G. Marijuana use and HIV treatment outcomes among PWH receiving care at an urban HIV clinic. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 82:102-106. [PMID: 29021107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While marijuana use is prevalent among persons with HIV (PWH), few studies have examined the relationship between marijuana use and HIV treatment outcomes independent of alcohol and other drug use. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the relationships between frequency of marijuana use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression in patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort between September 2013 through November 2015 (N=1377). We categorized marijuana use as no use, none in the last 3months, monthly use or less, weekly/daily. Our outcomes of interest were use of ART, ≥90 ART adherence, and viral suppression (HIV1-RNA<200 copies). We conducted multivariable analyses to examine associations between the frequency of marijuana use and our treatment outcomes, using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures. Other independent variables of interest included alcohol use, other drug use, and depressive symptoms. Analyses were adjusted for age, race, sex and HIV acquisition risk factor. RESULTS In multivariable analyses we found no statistically significant association between frequency of marijuana use and our treatment outcomes. Alcohol use, other drug use and depressive symptoms were associated with lower odds of ART adherence and viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of PWH in care, frequency of marijuana use independent of other substance use does not appear to be associated with negative HIV treatment outcomes. Our results indicate that unlike alcohol, other substances and depression, marijuana use may not be a barrier to the effective treatment of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagarika Sinha
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, United States
| | - Mary E McCaul
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Heidi E Hutton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Anne K Monroe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Anika Alvanzo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Catherine Lesko
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States
| | - Bryan Lau
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States
| | - Jeanne Keruly
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
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18
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Okafor CN, Cook RL, Chen X, Surkan PJ, Becker JT, Shoptaw S, Martin E, Plankey MW. Prevalence and correlates of marijuana use among HIV-seropositive and seronegative men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), 1984-2013. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2017; 43:556-566. [PMID: 27808576 PMCID: PMC5415427 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2016.1245738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana use is common among HIV+ individuals, but few studies have examined long-term trends in prevalence and correlates of use. METHODS We evaluated trends (1984-2013) in the annual prevalence of current (past 6-month use) and daily (among current users) marijuana use and determined correlates of use among 2742 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and 3172 HIV-seronegative (HIV-) men who have sex with men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios of marijuana use separately for the men who were enrolled before 2001 (early-cohort) and after 2001 (late-cohort). RESULTS Over the 29 years of the study, the prevalence of current marijuana use declined significantly, whereas daily use among users increased among all men in the early and late-cohorts. A HIV+ status was associated with higher prevalence of marijuana use among the men in the early-cohort (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.42, 1.64, p = <0.0001), but not in the men in the late-cohort (aPR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.03, p = 0.1424). Alcohol use and cigarette smoking were being positively associated with marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS Although the annual prevalence of current marijuana use decreased significantly over time in the MACS, daily use among users increased significantly. Further, among the HIV+ men, our study did not show clinically significant adverse effects of marijuana use on highly active antiretroviral therapy use, CD4+ count, or HIV viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka N Okafor
- a Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Robert L Cook
- a Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Xinguang Chen
- a Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, College of Medicine , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- b Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - James T Becker
- c Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Psychology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- d David Geffen School of Medicine , Department of Family Medicine at University of California , Los Angeles , USA
| | - Eileen Martin
- e Department of Psychiatry , Rush University Medical Center , Chicago , IL USA
| | - Michael W Plankey
- f Georgetown University Medical Center , Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Washington , DC , USA
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19
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Vidot DC, Lerner B, Gonzalez R. Cannabis Use, Medication Management and Adherence Among Persons Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2005-2013. [PMID: 28456895 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is used to relieve nausea, trigger weight gain, and reduce pain among adults living with HIV; however, the relationship between its use and medication adherence and management is unclear. Participants (N = 107) were from an ongoing cohort study of community-dwelling HIV+ adults, stratified by cannabis (CB) use: HIV+/CB+ (n = 41) and HIV+/CB- (n = 66). CB+ participants either tested positive in a urine toxicology screen for THC or had a self-reported history of regular and recent use. HIV-status was provided by physician results and/or biomarker assessment. Adherence was measured via the Morisky scale and medication management was assessed via the Medication Management Test-Revised. After adjusting for gender, we found no association between cannabis use group and adherence nor medication management. The amount of cannabis used was also not associated with measures of adherence and management. Preliminary findings suggest that cannabis use may not adversely influence medication adherence/management among adults living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Vidot
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Miami, 5030 Brunson Ave, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Brenda Lerner
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Kipp AM, Rebeiro PF, Shepherd BE, Brinkley-Rubinstein L, Turner M, Bebawy S, Sterling TR, Hulgan T. Daily Marijuana Use is Associated with Missed Clinic Appointments Among HIV-Infected Persons Engaged in HIV Care. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1996-2004. [PMID: 28213820 PMCID: PMC5493511 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the association between marijuana use and retention in HIV care through a retrospective cohort study of patients engaged in care at a large HIV clinic in 2011 and 2012. Two different retention outcomes were assessed: not meeting the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) retention definition (≥2 provider visits ≥90 days apart in a calendar year) and no-show visits. Any marijuana use and frequency of marijuana use were obtained from a substance use screening questionnaire administered at each clinic visit. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between marijuana use and retention outcomes. Marijuana use was reported by 17% of 1791 patients and 21% were not retained (IOM definition). Marijuana use was not associated with the IOM retention outcome, but was associated with missing the next scheduled appointment. A non-linear dose-response was observed for frequency of marijuana use and missed visits, with daily users having the highest risk compared to non-users. Daily marijuana use had a negative impact on HIV clinic attendance. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which marijuana use affects this outcome to inform targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Kipp
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Institute for Medicine and Public Health, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 614, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
| | - Peter F Rebeiro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein
- Institute for Community Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Megan Turner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sally Bebawy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy R Sterling
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Todd Hulgan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Trajectories of Marijuana Use among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), 1984-2013. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1091-1104. [PMID: 27260179 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To construct longitudinal trajectories of marijuana use in a sample of men who have sex with men living with or at-risk for HIV infection. We determined factors associated with distinct trajectories of use as well as those that serve to modify the course of the trajectory. Data were from 3658 [1439 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) and 2219 HIV-seronegative (HIV-)] participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Frequency of marijuana use was obtained semiannually over a 29-year period (1984-2013). Group-based trajectory models were used to identify the trajectories and to determine predictors and modifiers of the trajectories over time. Four distinct trajectories of marijuana use were identified: abstainer/infrequent (65 %), decreaser (13 %), increaser (12 %) and chronic high (10 %) use groups. HIV+ status was significantly associated with increased odds of membership in the decreaser, increaser and chronic high use groups. Alcohol, smoking, stimulant and other recreational drug use were associated with increasing marijuana use across all four trajectory groups. Antiretroviral therapy use over time was associated with decreasing marijuana use in the abstainer/infrequent and increaser trajectory groups. Having a detectable HIV viral load was associated with increasing marijuana use in the increaser group only. Future investigations are needed to determine whether long-term patterns of use are associated with adverse consequences especially among HIV+ persons.
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Cornelius JB, Whitaker-Brown CD. African American Transgender Women's Individual, Family, and Organizational Relationships: Implications for Nurses. Clin Nurs Res 2016; 26:318-336. [PMID: 26810439 DOI: 10.1177/1054773815627152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Guided by the relational cultural theory, we conducted a qualitative study to examine the relationship experiences of African American transgender women living in North Carolina. A convenience sample of 15 transgender women participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews, guided by an investigator-developed interview guide, were used to explore the personal experiences of transgender women on individual, family, and organizational levels. The findings provide a scheme for understanding the process through which transgender women's relationships hinder or enhance their ability to connect with individuals, family, and organizations. Nurses can use these findings to better understand the connectedness that occurs or does not occur in transgender women's relationships and provide culturally competent care to empower them to become resilient.
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Newville H, Berg KM, Gonzalez JS. The interaction of active substance use, depression, and antiretroviral adherence in methadone maintenance. Int J Behav Med 2015; 22:214-22. [PMID: 25081100 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-014-9429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains crucial in successfully treating HIV. While active substance use and depression are both associated with each other and with HAART nonadherence, little is known about their interaction. An understanding of the interaction of substance use and depressive symptoms on HAART adherence can inform adherence-enhancing interventions as well as interventions that target substance use and depression. PURPOSE We tested an interaction between substance use and depression on HAART adherence among methadone maintenance patients. METHOD We assessed substance use, depressive symptoms, and HAART adherence among 100 HIV-infected individuals receiving methadone maintenance in The Bronx, New York. Regressions were performed on adherence using an interaction term comprised of substance use and depressive symptoms. MODPROBE was used to assess significant interactions. RESULTS Any use of illicit substances was associated with HAART nonadherence (p = 0.043). Cannabis was the single substance of abuse most strongly associated with nonadherence (p = 0.003). Depressive symptoms approached significance in bivariate analysis (p = 0.066). In regression analysis, a significant interaction was found between illicit substance use and depressive symptoms [OR (95% CI) 1.23 (1.06-1.44), p = 0.007], where illicit substance use was associated with nonadherence in individuals with lower depressive symptoms, but not among those with depressive symptoms at higher levels. No individual substances interacted with depressive symptoms on adherence. CONCLUSION Though substance use and depressive symptoms interacted on HAART adherence, they did not have a synergistic effect. Continued substance use (51% of the sample) suggests an unmet need for treatment, even in methadone maintenance. Further examinations of the interplay of substance use and depression on HAART adherence are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Newville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, New York, NY, USA,
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Bruce D, Kahana SY, Bauermeister JA, Nichols SL, Hightow-Weidman LB, Heinze JE, Shea J, Fernández MI. Neighborhood-level and individual-level correlates of cannabis use among young persons living with HIV/AIDS. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 151:173-80. [PMID: 25858786 PMCID: PMC4447557 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In addition to individual characteristics, there may be a wide range of environmental or neighborhood stressors that contribute to elevated cannabis use in groups of youth living with HIV/AIDS (YLHIV); however, the effects of social disorganization on cannabis use in YLHIV to date have not been studied. METHODS We examined the effects of individual-level and neighborhood-level factors by developing hierarchical generalized linear models estimating odds of current cannabis use (any use during the past 3 months) and daily cannabis use among a sample of YLHIV (N = 1921) currently receiving medical care. RESULTS The final model for daily cannabis use in the past 3 months included significant positive effects associated with hostility (O.R. = 1.08, 95% C.I.: 1.05, 1.11), being older (O.R. = 1.12, 95% C.I.: 1.05, 1.20), being a bisexual male (O.R. = 1.72, 95% C.I.: 1.10, 2.70), and residing in a community with a murder rate in the highest quartile (O.R. = 1.91, 95% C.I.: 1.27, 2.87), second highest quartile (O.R. = 1.62, 95% C.I.: 1.06, 2.46), or third highest quartile (O.R. = 1.52, 95% C.I.: 1.01, 2.30). DISCUSSION This paper advances our knowledge of the multilevel factors associated with elevated cannabis use among groups of YLHIV and furthers our understanding of social and structural determinants of health in this population. Future research into cannabis use among YLHIV should consider, not only cannabis use within the context of the adjustment of living with HIV/AIDS, but also the stressors that characterize the environments in which groups of YLHIV live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bruce
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | | | - Jose A. Bauermeister
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sharon L. Nichols
- Department of Neurosciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Justin E. Heinze
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jaclyn Shea
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - M. Isabel Fernández
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
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Slawson G, Milloy MJ, Balneaves L, Simo A, Guillemi S, Hogg R, Montaner J, Wood E, Kerr T. High-intensity cannabis use and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people who use illicit drugs in a Canadian setting. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:120-7. [PMID: 25012624 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is increasingly prescribed clinically and utilized by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to address symptoms of HIV disease and to manage side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In light of concerns about the possibly deleterious effect of psychoactive drug use on adherence to ART, we sought to determine the relationship between high-intensity cannabis use and adherence to ART among a community-recruited cohort of HIV-positive illicit drug users. We used data from the ACCESS study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of HIV-seropositive illicit drug users linked to comprehensive ART dispensation records in a setting of universal no-cost HIV care. We estimated the relationship between at least daily cannabis use in the last 6 months, measured longitudinally, and the likelihood of optimal adherence to ART during the same period, using a multivariate linear mixed-effects model accounting for relevant socio-demographic, behavioral, clinical and structural factors. From May 2005 to May 2012, 523 HIV-positive illicit drug users were recruited and contributed 2,430 interviews. At baseline, 121 (23.1 %) participants reported at least daily cannabis use. In bivariate and multivariate analyses we did not observe an association between using cannabis at least daily and optimal adherence to prescribed HAART (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.12, 95 % Confidence Interval [95 % CI]: 0.76-1.64, p value = 0.555.) High-intensity cannabis use was not associated with adherence to ART. These findings suggest cannabis may be utilized by PLWHA for medicinal and recreational purposes without compromising effective adherence to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Slawson
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1Y6, BC, Canada
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Attonito J, Dévieux JG, Lerner BDG, Hospital MM, Rosenberg R. Antiretroviral treatment adherence as a mediating factor between psychosocial variables and HIV viral load. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2014; 25:626-37. [PMID: 25305029 PMCID: PMC4194191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial factors may directly impact HIV health measures such as viral load (VL) whether or not patients are taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) consistently. Structural equation modeling plus Baron and Kenny's (1986) four-step approach were used to test a mediated model predicting VL among 246 HIV-infected adults who were on ART. Exogenous variables were social support, barriers to adherence, and stress. Moderators were alcohol use, marijuana use, and neurocognitive impairment. A small positive association between marijuana use and ART adherence approached significance. Only barriers to adherence predicted a decrease in adherence rates and an increase in VL. No other factors were significantly associated with either VL or adherence, and no interaction effects between exogenous variables and moderators were identified. The association between barriers to adherence and VL was partially mediated by ART adherence. Findings provide modest support for a direct link between psychosocial variables and a virologic response to ART.
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Batista JDL, Militão de Albuquerque MDFP, Ximenes RADA, Miranda-Filho DDB, Lacerda de Melo HR, Maruza M, Moura LV, Pinto da Costa Ferraz EJS, Rodrigues LC. Prevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with smoking in people living with HIV by sex, in Recife, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2014; 16:432-43. [PMID: 24142014 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-790x2013000200018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. The prevalence of smoking is higher in people infected with HIV than in the general population. Although it is biologically plausible that smoking increases the morbidity and mortality of people living with HIV/AIDS, few studies in developing countries have analyzed the determinants and consequences of smoking in HIV infected people. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of smoking and identify the socioeconomic factors associated with smoking and smoking cessation in patients with HIV by sex. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with baseline data, obtained from an ongoing prospective cohort study of patients with HIV attending two referral centers in Recife, Northeast Region of Brazil, between July 2007 and October 2009. RESULTS The prevalence of current smoking was 28.9%. For both sexes, smoking was independently associated with heavy alcohol drinking and marijuana use. Among women, smoking was associated with living alone, not being married and illiteracy; and among men, being 40 years or older, low income and using crack. Compared with ex-smokers, current smokers were younger and more likely to be unmarried, heavy drinkers and marijuana users. CONCLUSIONS It is important to incorporate smoking cessation interventions for the treatment of heavy alcohol drinkers and marijuana users with HIV/AIDS, which may increase life expectancy and quality of life, as smoking is related to risk of death, relapse of tuberculosis, and non communicable diseases.
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28
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Psychosocial and demographic correlates of drug use in a sample of HIV-positive adults ages 50 and older. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2014; 14:618-27. [PMID: 23408281 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-012-0338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of HIV among adults 50 and older in the USA is increasing as a result of improvements in treatment and detection of HIV infection. Substance use by this population has implications for physical and mental health outcomes. We examined patterns of demographics, mental health, and recent substance use in a diverse sample of heterosexual, bisexual, and gay adults 50 and older living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in New York City. The most commonly used substances were cigarettes or alcohol; however, the majority of the sample did not report recent use of marijuana, poppers, or hard drugs (crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, heroin, ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, and LSD or PCP). Statistically significant associations between substance use and psychological states (well-being and loneliness) were generally weak, and depression scores were not significantly related to use; instead, drug use was associated with gender/sexual orientation. The study observations support addressing substance use specific to subpopulations within PLWHA.
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Hazekamp A, Ware MA, Muller-Vahl KR, Abrams D, Grotenhermen F. The Medicinal Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids—An International Cross-Sectional Survey on Administration Forms. J Psychoactive Drugs 2013; 45:199-210. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2013.805976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arno Hazekamp
- a Head of Research and Development at Bedrocan BV, The Netherlands; Department of Plant Metabolomics, Faculty of Science , Leiden University , Leiden , The Netherlands
- f Head of Research and Development at Bedrocan BV , The Netherlands
| | - Mark A. Ware
- b Departments of Family Medicine and Anesthesia , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Kirsten R. Muller-Vahl
- c Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Donald Abrams
- d Division of Hematology-Oncology, San Francisco General Hospital , University of California , San Francisco , CA
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Edelman EJ, Gordon KS, Glover J, McNicholl IR, Fiellin DA, Justice AC. The next therapeutic challenge in HIV: polypharmacy. Drugs Aging 2013; 30:613-28. [PMID: 23740523 PMCID: PMC3715685 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-013-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With the adoption of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), most HIV-infected individuals in care are on five or more medications and at risk of harm from polypharmacy, a risk that likely increases with number of medications, age, and physiologic frailty. Established harms of polypharmacy include decreased medication adherence and increased serious adverse drug events, including organ system injury, hospitalization, geriatric syndromes (falls, fractures, and cognitive decline) and mortality. The literature on polypharmacy among those with HIV infection is limited, and the literature on polypharmacy among non-HIV patients requires adaptation to the special issues facing those on chronic ART. First, those aging with HIV infection often initiate ART in their 3rd or 4th decade of life and are expected to remain on ART for the rest of their lives. Second, those with HIV may be at higher risk for age-associated comorbid disease, further increasing their risk of polypharmacy. Third, those with HIV may have an enhanced susceptibility to harm from polypharmacy due to decreased organ system reserve, chronic inflammation, and ongoing immune dysfunction. Finally, because ART is life-extending, nonadherence to ART is particularly concerning. After reviewing the relevant literature, we propose an adapted framework with which to address polypharmacy among those on lifelong ART and suggest areas for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ian R. McNicholl
- />UCSF Positive Health Program at San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - David A. Fiellin
- />Yale University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Amy C. Justice
- />Yale University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
- />VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516 USA
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Bruce D, Harper GW, Fernandez MI. HEAVY MARIJUANA USE AMONG GAY AND BISEXUAL MALE EMERGING ADULTS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS. JOURNAL OF HIV/AIDS & SOCIAL SERVICES 2013; 12:26-48. [PMID: 23805056 PMCID: PMC3691072 DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2012.735171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bruce
- Master of Public Health Program, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
| | - Gary W. Harper
- Master of Public Health Program, Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
| | - M. Isabel Fernandez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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32
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Rosen MI, Black AC, Arnsten JH, Goggin K, Remien RH, Simoni JM, Golin CE, Bangsberg DR, Liu H. Association between use of specific drugs and antiretroviral adherence: findings from MACH 14. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:142-7. [PMID: 22246513 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-0124-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To determine the association between individual substances of abuse and antiretroviral adherence, analyses require a large sample assessed using electronic data monitoring (EDM). In this analysis, EDM data from 1,636 participants in 12 US adherence-focused studies were analyzed to determine the associations between recent use of various substances and adherence during the preceding 4 weeks. In bivariate analyses comparing adherence among patients who had used a specific substance to those who had not, adherence was significantly lower among those who had recently used cocaine, other stimulants or heroin but not among those who had used cannabis or alcohol. In multivariate analyses controlling for sociodemographics, amount of alcohol use and recent use of any alcohol, cocaine, other stimulants and heroin each was significantly negatively associated with adherence. The significant associations of cocaine, other stimulants, heroin, and alcohol use with adherence suggest that these are important substances to target with adherence-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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33
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Bonn-Miller MO, Oser ML, Bucossi MM, Trafton JA. Cannabis use and HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence and HIV-related symptoms. J Behav Med 2012; 37:1-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-012-9458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Schuster RM, Gonzalez R. Substance Abuse, Hepatitis C, and Aging in HIV: Common Cofactors that Contribute to Neurobehavioral Disturbances. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 2012:15-34. [PMID: 24014165 DOI: 10.2147/nbhiv.s17408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of neurocognitive disturbances among individuals with HIV has decreased in recent years, rates of impairment still remain high. This review presents findings from comorbid conditions that may contribute to further neurocognitive impairments in this already vulnerable population. We will focus on three co-factors that have received substantial attention in the neuroAIDS literature: drug use, hepatitis C co-infection (HCV), and aging. All three conditions commonly co-occur with HIV and likely interact with HIV in complex ways. Collectively, the extant literature suggests that drug use, HCV, and aging serve to worsen the neurocognitive profile of HIV through several overlapping mechanisms. A better understanding of how specific comorbidities interact with HIV may reveal specific phenotypes of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder that may aid in the development of more targeted behavioral and pharmacological treatment efforts.
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Abstract
Substance use is highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS, is often comorbid with other mental health problems, related to poor HIV medical outcomes, and, is associated with poor medication and treatment adherence. The current review reports on the recent state of the literature in terms of substance use and its relation to HIV medication and treatment adherence, and offers recommendations for advancing treatment and secondary HIV prevention efforts. Identifying substance users within HIV primary care and developing, evaluating, and refining integrative substance use-mental health-adherence interventions may be clinically important targets for effective disease management and may contribute to secondary HIV prevention efforts.
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36
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Kamerman PR, Mitchell D. Current perspectives on HIV-related pain and its management: insights from sub-Saharan Africa. Pain Manag 2011; 1:587-96. [DOI: 10.2217/pmt.11.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Sub-Saharan Africa is the region worst affected by the HIV epidemic and we estimate that at least 10 million HIV-positive individuals in sub-Saharan Africa live with significant pain related to their disease. Until recently there was a lack of studies specifically addressing pain related to HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, which limited our understanding of the scope of the problem. Here we describe the current nature of the epidemic of HIV-related pain in sub-Saharan Africa, including the systematic under-recognition and undertreatment of the pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duncan Mitchell
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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37
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Gonzalez R, Schuster RM, Vassileva J, Martin EM. Impact of HIV and a history of marijuana dependence on procedural learning among individuals with a history of substance dependence. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2011; 33:735-52. [PMID: 21480022 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2011.553584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana (MJ) use and HIV infection are both associated with neurocognitive deficits, yet there is little research to date examining their interactions, specifically how they pertain to procedural learning (PL). We examined a sample of 86 individuals with a history of dependence for multiple substances who underwent a comprehensive evaluation including measures of mental health, substance use history, and three measures of PL: the photoelectric Rotary Pursuit Task (RPT), the Star Mirror Tracing Task (SMT), and the Weather Prediction Task (WPT). We found that a positive HIV serostatus and a history of marijuana dependence were both independently associated with overall poorer performance on the SMT and RPT in this sample of individuals with a history of dependence for multiple substances. Rate of improvement across trial blocks did not differ as a function of HIV serostatus or history of marijuana dependence. Although we found no significant HIV × MJ interaction for any of the PL tasks, we did observe evidence of additive negative effects from HIV and a history of marijuana dependence on overall performance on the SMT and RPT, but not the WPT. The findings suggest that complex motor skills are adversely affected among abstinent polysubstance users with a history of marijuana dependence and that such deficits are compounded by HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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38
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Meade CS, Drabkin AS, Hansen NB, Wilson PA, Kochman A, Sikkema KJ. Reductions in alcohol and cocaine use following a group coping intervention for HIV-positive adults with childhood sexual abuse histories. Addiction 2010; 105:1942-51. [PMID: 20840176 PMCID: PMC2970668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03075.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Few interventions exist to reduce alcohol and non-injection drug use among people living with HIV/AIDS. This study tested the effects of a coping group intervention for HIV-positive adults with childhood sexual abuse histories on alcohol, cocaine and marijuana use. DESIGN Participants were assigned randomly to the experimental coping group or a time-matched comparison support group. Both interventions were delivered in a group format over 15 weekly 90-minute sessions. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A diverse sample of 247 HIV-positive men and women with childhood sexual abuse were recruited from AIDS service organizations and community health centers in New York City. MEASUREMENTS Substance use was assessed pre- and post-intervention and every 4 months during a 12-month follow-up period. Using an intent-to-treat analysis, longitudinal changes in substance use by condition were assessed using generalized estimating equations. FINDINGS At baseline, 42% of participants drank alcohol, 26% used cocaine and 26% used marijuana. Relative to participants in the support group, those in the coping group had greater reductions in quantity of alcohol use (Wald χ²(₄)=10.77, P = 0.029) and any cocaine use (Wald χ²(₄) = 9.81, P = 0.044) overtime. CONCLUSIONS Many HIV patients, particularly those with childhood sexual abuse histories, continue to abuse substances. This group intervention that addressed coping with HIV and sexual trauma was effective in reducing alcohol and cocaine use, with effects sustained at 12-month follow-up. Integrating mental health treatment into HIV prevention may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S. Meade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Medical Psychology, Duke University School of Medicine,Duke Global Health Institute
| | | | | | - Patrick A. Wilson
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | | | - Kathleen J. Sikkema
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Medical Psychology, Duke University School of Medicine,Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University
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Predictors and treatment strategies of HIV-related fatigue in the combined antiretroviral therapy era. AIDS 2010; 24:1387-405. [PMID: 20523204 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e328339d004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess predictors and reported treatment strategies of HIV-related fatigue in the combined antiretroviral (cART) era. METHOD Five databases were searched and reference lists of pertinent articles were checked. Studies published since 1996 on predictors or therapy of HIV-related fatigue measured by a validated instrument were selected. RESULTS A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reported HIV-related fatigue prevalence in the selected studies varied from 33 to 88%. The strongest predictors for sociodemographic variables were unemployment and inadequate income. Concerning HIV-associated factors, the use of cART was the strongest predictor. Comorbidity and sleeping difficulties were important factors when assessing physiological influences. Laboratory parameters were not predictive of fatigue. The strongest and most uniform associations were observed between fatigue and psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. Reported therapeutic interventions for HIV-related fatigue include testosterone, psycho-stimulants (dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate hydrochloride, pemoline, modafinil), dehydroepiandrosterone, fluoxetine and cognitive behavioural or relaxation therapy. CONCLUSION HIV-related fatigue has a high prevalence and is strongly associated with psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. A validated instrument should be used to measure intensity and consequences of fatigue in HIV-infected individuals. In the case of fatigue, clinicians should not only search for physical mechanisms, but should question depression and anxiety in detail. There is a need for intervention studies comparing the effect of medication (antidepressants, anxiolytics) and behavioural interventions (cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation therapy, graded exercise therapy) to direct the best treatment strategy. Treatment of HIV-related fatigue is important in the care for HIV-infected patients and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
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