Medical advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, specifically highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), have reduced both mortality and the development of HIV related illnesses and symptoms for persons living with HIV. In spite of these advances in treatment for persons living with HIV, there is still great concern about the health care needs of typically underserved populations such as chronic drug users. Between February, 1998 - December, 1999, community outreach workers recruited 325 adults who use injection drugs, crack cocaine and other drugs from inner city neighborhoods in Miami where drug abuse and HIV are prevalent. All respondents had a confirmed HIV test that documented their HIV seropositivity as well as a urine screen to validate their drug use. Results indicate that one-third of respondents had not seen a provider for HIV-related health care in the past 12 months and only 33.8% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Crack users were less likely than other drug use groups to have seen an HIV care provider in the past year. Of those who were receiving HAART, 75% report missing their pills at least once per week and half of these respondents indicated that their illicit drug habit caused them to miss taking their pills. These findings support the need for designing interventions to improve both the access and adherence to HIV treatment in this underserved population of chronic drug users.
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Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.