Predictors of substance use frequency and reductions in seriousness of use among persons living with HIV.
OBJECTIVE
To examine predictors of the current level of substance use and reductions in seriousness of substance use among adults living with HIV.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Four major metropolitan areas of the United States.


METHODS
Three thousand eight hundred six adults living with HIV.


METHODS
Self-reported substance use, depression, and quality of life from audio computer assisted self-interviewing and computer assisted personal interviewing structured assessments.


RESULTS
Recent substance use of persons living with HIV was classified as frequent (40%), occasional (32%), or abstinent (28%). Participants using drugs at a frequent level identified as heterosexual, had public insurance, and had higher levels of depression. Participants who reduced from a lifetime high seriousness in substance use were female, older, and knew their HIV status for a longer period of time.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening and identification of substance use should be included in all treatment settings and community-based organizations serving adults living with HIV.
Lightfoot
Marguerita
M
Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. mal@ucla.edu
Rogers
Tyson
T
Goldstein
Risë
R
Rotheram-Borus
Mary Jane
MJ
May
Susanne
S
Kirshenbaum
Sheri
S
Weinhardt
Lance
L
Zadoretzky
Cathy
C
Kittel
Lauren
L
Johnson
Mallory
M
Gore-Felton
Cheryl
C
Morin
Stephen F
SF
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data