Open AccessSustained Sobriety: A Qualitative Study of Persons with HIV and Chronic Hepatitis C Coinfection and a History of Problematic Drinking
Author(s) -
Abigail A. Howell,
Audrey M. Lambert,
Megan Pinkston,
Claire E. Blevins,
Jumi Hayaki,
Debra S. Herman,
Ethan Moitra,
Michael D. Stein,
H. Nina Kim
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aids and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.994
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1573-3254
pISSN - 1090-7165
DOI - 10.1007/s10461-020-03067-x
Subject(s) - sobriety , health psychology , coinfection , context (archaeology) , qualitative research , public health , psychiatry , medicine , hepatitis c , psychological intervention , psychology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , clinical psychology , immunology , nursing , paleontology , social science , sociology , biology
For persons diagnosed with HIV and who are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death and excessive consumption of alcohol can be a contributing factor. Little is known about the factors these individuals identify as key to achieving sustained sobriety. In this qualitative study, fourteen HIV/HCV coinfected persons who endorsed past problematic drinking were interviewed about their path to sustained sobriety. In open-ended interviews, participants often described their drinking in the context of polysubstance use and their decision to become sober as a singular response to a transcendent moment or a traumatic event. All articulated specific, concrete strategies for maintaining sobriety. The perceived effect of the HIV or HCV diagnosis on sobriety was inconsistent, and medical care as an influence on sobriety was rarely mentioned. Qualitative interviews may offer new insights on interventions and support strategies for heavy-drinking persons with HIV/HCV coinfection.