Age group differences in substance use, social support, and physical and mental health concerns among people living with HIV two years after receiving primary care-based alcohol treatment.

Objectives: People living with HIV (PWH) have seen reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and increase in near-normal life expectancy, yet unhealthy alcohol use poses substantial risks to older as well as younger adults. Further research regarding age-associated physical and mental health concerns among PWH who drink alcohol is needed to inform services, given the expanding age range of patients in care.Methods: We compared age group differences (18-34, 35-44, 45-54, ≥55 years old) in two-year patient-reported outcomes and HIV viral control among PWH enrolled in a primary care-based behavioral alcohol intervention trial; with 90% follow up from baseline.Results: Of 553 PWH, 50 (9%) were 18-34, 85 (15%) were 35-44, 197 (36%) were 45-54, and 221 (40%) were ≥55 years old. Most were men (97%) and White (64%). At two years, PWH ≥55 reported less substance use in the prior 30 days, fewer social contacts, and more pain; younger PWH had lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. In adjusted analyses, PWH ages 18-34 had higher odds of unhealthy alcohol use, tobacco, cannabis, or other substances compared to those ≥55; with higher odds of anxiety among PWH 35-44 compared with those ≥55; and physical quality of life was worse among those ≥55 compared with younger groups.Conclusions: While older PWH report less substance use than younger PWH and have better ART adherence post-treatment, they are more likely to experience limited social support and worse physical quality of life. Findings can inform interventions to address varying needs of PWH across the lifespan.

Changes in Days of Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, HIV RNA Levels, and Condomless Sex: A Secondary Analysis of Clinical Trial Data.

In a sample of people with HIV (PWH) enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial and followed for 12 months, we examined the association of changes in days (i.e., decrease, increase, no change [reference]) of unhealthy drinking (consuming ≥ 4/≥ 5 drinks for women/men) with antiretroviral therapy adherence (≥ 95% adherent), viral suppression (HIV RNA < 75 copies/mL), condomless sex with HIV-negative/unknown status partners, and dual-risk outcome (HIV RNA ≥ 75 copies/mL plus condomless sex). The sample included 566 PWH (96.8% male; 63.1% White; 93.9% HIV RNA < 75 copies/mL) who completed baseline, 6-, and 12-month assessments. Decrease in days of unhealthy drinking was associated with increased likelihood of viral suppression (odds ratio [OR] 3.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 13.51, P = .04) versus no change. Increase in days of unhealthy drinking was associated with increased likelihood of condomless sex (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.60, 6.12, P < .001). Neither increase nor decrease were associated with adherence or dual-risk outcome. On a continuous scale, for each increase by 1 day of unhealthy drinking in the prior month, the odds of being 95% adherent decreased by 6% (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88, 1.00, P = 0.04).

Adverse childhood experiences, mental health, substance use, and HIV-related outcomes among persons with HIV.

While persons with HIV (PWH) have benefited from significant advances in treatment and resulting longevity, mental health problems remain elevated in this population. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common among PWH and may negatively affect mental health and HIV-related outcomes. We examined the association between ACEs, depression and anxiety symptoms, substance use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and HIV-clinical indicators in a sample of 584 PWH at risk for unhealthy alcohol use enrolled in a primary care-based alcohol intervention study. The sample was 96.9% male, 63.0% non-Hispanic white, with an average age of 49.0 years. ACEs were highly prevalent: 82.5% reported ≥1 ACE, including 34.2% reporting 1-2 ACEs, 25.0% reporting 3-4 ACEs, and 23.3% reporting ≥5 ACEs. Adjusting for demographics, having 1-2, 3-4 or ≥5 ACEs was significantly associated with anxiety (ORs (95%CI): 3.41 (1.13-10.33), 4.36 (1.42-3.36), and 3.96 (1.28-12.19), respectively) and poorer mental health quality of life (Betas (SE): -3.21 (1.40), -6.23 (1.51), and -7.09 (1.54), respectively), but not with other outcomes. Trauma-informed interventions to reduce anxiety and improve mental health quality of life in PWH may reduce the negative health sequelae of ACEs.