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Unhealthy substance‐use behaviors as symptom‐related self‐care in persons with HIV/AIDS
Author(s) -
Brion John M.,
Dawson Rose Carol,
Nicholas Patrice K.,
Sloane Rick,
Voss Joachim G.,
Corless Inge B.,
Lindgren Teri G.,
Wantland Dean J.,
Kemppainen Jeanne K.,
Sefcik Elizabeth F.,
Nokes Kathleen M.,
Kirksey Kenn M.,
Sanzero Eller Lucille,
Hamilton Mary Jane,
Holzemer William L.,
Portillo Carmen J.,
Rivero Mendez Marta,
Robinson Linda M.,
Moezzi Shahnaz,
Rosa Maria,
Human Sarie,
Maryland Mary,
Arudo John,
Viamonte Ros Ana,
Nicholas Thomas P.,
Cuca Yvette,
Huang Emily,
Bain Catherine,
TyerViola Lynda,
Zang Sheryl M.,
Shan Maureen,
PetersLewis Angelleen,
Willard Suzanne
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2010.00572.x
Subject(s) - medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , substance use , psychiatry , substance abuse , cigarette smoking , clinical psychology , drug , family medicine
Unhealthy substance‐use behaviors, including a heavy alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and cigarette smoking, are engaged in by many HIV‐positive individuals, often as a way to manage their disease‐related symptoms. This study, based on data from a larger randomized controlled trial of an HIV/AIDS symptom management manual, examines the prevalence and characteristics of unhealthy behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS symptoms. The mean age of the sample ( n = 775) was 42.8 years and 38.5% of the sample was female. The mean number of years living with HIV was 9.1 years. The specific self‐reported unhealthy substance‐use behaviors were the use of marijuana, cigarettes, a large amount of alcohol, and illicit drugs. A subset of individuals who identified high levels of specific symptoms also reported significantly higher substance‐use behaviors, including amphetamine and injection drug use, heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and marijuana use. The implications for clinical practice include the assessment of self‐care behaviors, screening for substance abuse, and education of persons regarding the self‐management of HIV.