A pilot study investigating the effects of trauma, experiential avoidance, and disease management in HIV-positive MSM using methamphetamine.
With high rates of trauma among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) who use methamphetamine, this preliminary pilot study examined the associations between experiential avoidance, trauma symptoms, and management of a chronic illness. Among a small sample of HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using MSM in a California Bay Area County, greater reported experiential avoidance was significantly related to greater reported trauma and symptoms of traumatic stress. Furthermore, greater reported experiential avoidance was significantly related to reduced self-efficacy of illness management and more frequent methamphetamine use. Although further research is needed, these data suggest that addressing issues of experiential avoidance and trauma could affect behavioral choices and treatment outcomes in this high-risk population.
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, CA, USA. maggie.chartier@va.gov
Maggie
M
Chartier
Trisha
T
Vinatieri
Kathryn
K
Delonga
Lawrence M
LM
McGlynn
Cheryl
C
Gore-Felton
Cheryl
C
Koopman
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D008694:Methamphetamine