 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Karolynn Siegel, PhD, Helen-Maria Lekas, PhD, and Courtney J. Bradley, MPH. Sociomedical Sciences/ Center for the Psychosocial Study of Health and Illness, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 6A, New York, NY 10032
Approximately 30% of all HIV+ individuals and over 80% of HIV+ injecting drug users are coinfected with Hepatitis C (HCV). As HAART extends survival for many people with HIV, the prevalence of and complications from HIV/HCV coinfection are expected to increase.
In-depth interviews examining symptom appraisal and management were conducted between November 2000 and February 2002 with 100 HIV+ adults (age 50+) living in New York City. Although coinfection was not a focus of the study, 38 participants reported HCV coinfection. Data indicate that HCV coinfection influences HIV+ individuals' perceptions of and management of each condition and their overall health status. In particular, coinfection may affect symptom interpretation, treatment decisions and perceptions of illness and self. Participants were often uncertain whether to attribute symptoms to HIV, HCV, and/or their treatments. Health care providers could not always diminish this uncertainty. Participants faced challenges in making treatment decisions given their complex medical profiles, fear of liver damage from HIV medications, and the uncertain efficacy and anticipated side-effects of HCV therapies. Additionally, participants discussed their beliefs regarding the health threat of HCV and/or HIV and their potential interactions. They often expressed hopelessness regarding their health and anticipated a shortened life expectancy due to their dual diagnosis. Participants also discussed issues of stigma related to coinfection.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Co-morbid
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.
Handout (.ppt format, 108.0 kb)