Heavy Drinking and Treatment among HIV/HCV Co-Infected Patients

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments are highly effective.
• Individuals with HIV/HCV co-infection represent a high-risk population.
• Understanding barriers to HCV treatment access is crucial for this group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and HCV treatment access in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection.
• To identify specific drinking patterns associated with reduced treatment engagement.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 210 patients at a sexual health clinic.
• 39 patients with HIV/HCV co-infection completed self-report measures on drinking and HCV treatment history.
• Statistical analyses examined the association between drinking behaviors and HCV treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Patients reporting drinking despite health problems had significantly lower HCV treatment rates (p = 0.035).
• Drinking despite health problems was not associated with provider recommendation for HCV treatment.
• Binge drinking and general alcohol consumption did not correlate with HCV treatment access or HIV treatment.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol consumption, particularly drinking despite health problems, is linked to reduced access to Hepatitis C virus treatment among those with HIV/HCV co-infection.
• The pattern of drinking despite health problems may serve as a valuable screening tool to identify untreated individuals.
• Interventions targeting alcohol reduction and treatment engagement are urgently needed for this vulnerable population.