At-Risk Alcohol Use Predicts Lower Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Persons with HIV/AIDS
Wednesday, July 5, 2017 - 18:02
in Health & Medicine
Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have allowed people living with HIV/AIDS to maintain a quality of life similar to those without HIV infection. Medication adherence is key, however, as non-adherence to ART can lead to poorer HIV suppression, decreased CD4 cell count, and an increased risk for antiretroviral drug resistance. Prior research has shown that alcohol use is common among persons living with HIV/AIDS, and that the rate of current heavy drinking may be almost double that of the general population. This study examined whether "at-risk" alcohol use - defined as more than three drinks per day for women and more than four drinks per day for men - was associated with ART non-adherence among persons living with HIV/AIDS.