Substance Use and its Impact on Care Outcomes among HIV-Infected Individuals in Manitoba
Loading...
Date
2014-06-01
Authors
Erickson, Adam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of substance use among HIV-infected individuals creates
numerous challenges to patient care. This study was undertaken in order to understand the impact of
substance use on care outcomes for HIV-infected persons in Manitoba. METHODS: Clinical records of
564 HIV-infected individuals in care at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba were
reviewed. Clinical data was extracted from patient charts for substance users (illicit substance users,
alcohol abusers, and chronic users of opioids or benzodiazepines) and non-users. RESULTS: Among
HIV-infected individuals in Manitoba, 38% were substance users with overrepresentation by
Aboriginals, females, young adults, and residents of Winnipeg's core areas. Opioids and
benzodiazepines were the most commonly used substances with the majority of substance users
having used multiple classes of substances in their lifetime. Substance users were more likely than
non-users to have missed clinic appointments. Among substance users, missed appointments were
more common among those who self-identified as Aboriginal, females, young adults, residents of
Winnipeg's core areas, heterosexuals, and those who had abused alcohol or cocaine/crack. Substance
use also affected the prescription of antiretroviral medications and was associated with liver damage.
DISCUSSION: Substance use is common among HIV-infected individuals in Manitoba, with important
health-related implications arising from the use and/or misuse of potentially harmful substances. The
negative impact of substance use on engagement in care and health outcomes has important
implications on clinical care which must be addressed by targeted patient recruitment, the use of harm
reduction and patient-centred care.
Description
Keywords
substance use, HIV-infected individuals