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.
Corless
Inge B
IB
MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of nursing, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, USA. icorless@mghihp.edu
Lindgren
Teri
T
Holzemer
William
W
Robinson
Linda
L
Moezzi
Shahnaz
S
Kirksey
Kenn
K
Coleman
Christopher
C
Tsai
Yun-Fang
YF
Sanzero Eller
Lucille
L
Hamilton
Mary Jane
MJ
Sefcik
Elizabeth F
EF
Canaval
Gladys E
GE
Rivero Mendez
Marta
M
Kemppainen
Jeanne K
JK
Bunch
Eli H
EH
Nicholas
Patrice K
PK
Nokes
Kathleen M
KM
Dole
Pamela
P
Reynolds
Nancy
N
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012648:Self Care