Related Experiment Videos
Weekending in PLWH: alcohol use and ART adherence, a pilot study
Sonjia Kenya1, Natasha Chida, Jamal Jones
1Jay Weiss Center Social Medicine and Health Equity, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Suite 801, Miami, FL 33136, USA. skenya@med.miami.edu
AIDS and Behavior
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Many people living with HIV (PLWH) drink alcohol and may skip antiretroviral therapy (ART) during weekends. Healthcare providers often do not document patient alcohol use accurately, highlighting a need for better screening and patient discussions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Substance Use Disorders
Background:
- Alcohol use is common among people living with HIV (PLWH).
- Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing HIV.
- There is a gap in understanding the relationship between alcohol use patterns and ART adherence in PLWH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine alcohol use patterns among PLWH in Miami, Florida.
- To assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in this population.
- To evaluate documented provider knowledge of patient alcohol use.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with 45 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Miami, Florida.
- Data were collected on alcohol consumption habits and ART adherence.
- Provider documentation regarding patient alcohol use was reviewed.
Main Results:
- 100% of participants reported alcohol consumption.
- 20% reported "weekending," defined as skipping ART for planned alcohol use, particularly on weekends.
- Provider notes indicated abstinence in 73% of cases, contrasting with patient-reported alcohol use.
Conclusions:
- Significant discrepancies exist between patient-reported alcohol use and provider documentation.
- The phenomenon of "weekending" highlights a potential risk to ART adherence among PLWH who consume alcohol.
- Healthcare providers should proactively inquire about patients' drinking habits and their impact on ART adherence.