Marijuana effectiveness as an HIV self-care strategy.
Persons living with HIV/AIDS use self-care for symptom management. This study assesses the use of marijuana as a symptom management approach for six common symptoms for persons living with HIV/AIDS--anxiety, depression, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy. This sub-analysis of the efficacy of a symptom management manual encompasses the experiences of participants from sites in the U.S., Africa, and Puerto Rico. Baseline data are analyzed to examine differences in the use and efficacy of marijuana as compared with prescribed and over-the-counter medications as well as the impact on adherence and quality of life.
MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of nursing, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, USA. icorless@mghihp.edu
Inge B
IB
Corless
Teri
T
Lindgren
William
W
Holzemer
Linda
L
Robinson
Shahnaz
S
Moezzi
Kenn
K
Kirksey
Christopher
C
Coleman
Yun-Fang
YF
Tsai
Lucille
L
Sanzero Eller
Mary Jane
MJ
Hamilton
Elizabeth F
EF
Sefcik
Gladys E
GE
Canaval
Marta
M
Rivero Mendez
Jeanne K
JK
Kemppainen
Eli H
EH
Bunch
Patrice K
PK
Nicholas
Kathleen M
KM
Nokes
Pamela
P
Dole
Nancy
N
Reynolds
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012648:Self Care