Predictors of substance use frequency and reductions in seriousness of use among persons living with HIV.

Abstract

To examine predictors of the current level of substance use and reductions in seriousness of substance use among adults living with HIV. Cross-sectional survey. Four major metropolitan areas of the United States. Three thousand eight hundred six adults living with HIV. Self-reported substance use, depression, and quality of life from audio computer assisted self-interviewing and computer assisted personal interviewing structured assessments. Recent substance use of persons living with HIV was classified as frequent (40%), occasional (32%), or abstinent (28%). Participants using drugs at a frequent level identified as heterosexual, had public insurance, and had higher levels of depression. Participants who reduced from a lifetime high seriousness in substance use were female, older, and knew their HIV status for a longer period of time. Screening and identification of substance use should be included in all treatment settings and community-based organizations serving adults living with HIV.