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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Sha Juan Colbert, MPH, Bureau of Epidemiology/ HIV/AIDS Surveillance Section, Michigan Department of Community Health, 1151 Taylor St, Room 210B, Detroit, MI 48202, 313-876-4768, colbertsha@michigan.gov
BACKGROUND: Substance abuse is a matter of public health concern, and especially problematic for HIV infected individuals. Abstaining from substance use promotes the HIV infected patient’s health and discourages subsequent transmission of HIV. The emotional and physical burdens of HIV may encourage some to abuse drugs. In light of this, health care workers should recognize and refer for treatment, individuals that are abusing drugs.
METHODS: The Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance (SHAS) study is a collaborative effort between CDC and 16 health departments in the U.S. Individuals, who receive HIV related care at specific sites in SE MI, were invited to a one-time interview. For this study, we analyzed self-reported NIDU among HIV infected individuals from 1996- 2000.
RESULTS: A total of 964 individuals were interviewed. Of these 964, 451 (47%) reported NIDU in the 5 years prior to the interview. Of these, the highest reported drug used was marijuana, with 315 (71%) reporting use. Crack use was reported by 263 (58%) respondents. Cocaine use was reported by 186 (41%) and 118 (26%) used heroin. Fewer than 10% reported using the following illicit drugs in the 5 years prior to the interview: valium (n=49), speed (n=29), barbiturates (n=27), smokable amphetamines (n=17), and pcp/lsd (n=16).
CONCLUSION: Almost half of the persons reported NIDU in the five years preceding their interview. This is dangerous for many reasons. For patients on antiretroviral therapy, medication adherence and drug efficacy may be compromised. Illicit drug use may also encourage unprotected sex, which may facilitate HIV transmission.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Substance Abuse,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.