Substance abuse and symptoms of mental illness among HIV-positive persons in the Southeast.
South Med J, 2005/1;98(1):9-14.
Whetten K[1], Reif SS, Napravnik S, Swartz MS, Thielman NM, Eron JJ Jr, Lowe K, Soto T
Affiliations
PMID: 15678633
Impact factor: 0.81
Abstract
objectives: Mental illness and substance abuse have been consistently associated with poor HIV-medication adherence and other negative health outcomes.
methods: A brief mental health and substance use screening instrument was administered to 1,362 HIV-infected individuals receiving care at two academic medical center Infectious Diseases Clinics in North Carolina.
results: Study results indicated high frequencies of symptoms of mental illness (60%), substance abuse (32%), and co-occurring symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse (23%). Younger age (P = 0.03), male sex (P < 0.001), and higher viral load (P < 0.001) were associated with substance use problems. White race (P = 0.001), younger age (P = 0.023), and higher viral load (P = 0.042) were associated with symptoms of mental illness.
conclusions: In the Southeast, mental health and substance abuse services are sparse and stigma is high; thus, innovative treatment strategies are needed to address the high levels of co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. Antiretroviral therapies will not reach their potential for slowing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and prolonging survival if comorbidities that influence patient behavior are not addressed.
MeSH terms
Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Infections; Mental Disorders; Prevalence; Southeastern United States; Substance-Related Disorders
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