The role of personal and household members’ substance use in health-related quality of life in women living with HIV/AIDS

Advances in HIV treatments have led to a greater focus on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among people living with HIV/AIDS. The current study examined factors associated with HRQOL among 378 women in HIV care. HRQOL was measured using a modified version of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey; scores were derived for the mental and physical composite summaries (MCS and PCS). We measured personal alcohol use and drug use. Household members’ substance use were assessed by asking participants about the alcohol/drug status of persons with whom they live. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to estimate the linear association between MCS and PCS scores and personal and household members’ alcohol and drug use. We found lower MCS scores were significantly associated with personal alcohol use and living with someone with alcohol or/and drug problems. Lower PCS scores were not significantly associated with personal alcohol use or living with someone with alcohol or/and drug problems. Findings suggest that universal screening and targeted interventions for alcohol use by the patient or household members may offer potential strategies for improving mental health quality of life among women living with HIV/AIDS.     

Factors associated with use of HIV primary care among persons recently diagnosed with HIV: examination of variables from the behavioural model of health-care utilization

The delay between testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and entering medical care can be better understood by identifying variables associated with use of HIV primary care among persons recently diagnosed with the virus. We report findings from 270 HIV-positive persons enrolled in the Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study (ARTAS). 74% had not seen an HIV care provider before enrollment; 26% had one prior visit only. Based on Andersen's behavioural model of health care utilization, several variables reflecting demographic, healthcare, illness, behavioural, and psychosocial dimensions were assessed and used to predict the likelihood that participants had seen an HIV care provider six months after enrollment. Overall, 69% had seen an HIV care provider by six months. In multivariate analysis, the likelihood of seeing a provider was significantly (p<.05) higher among men, Hispanics (vs. non-Hispanic Blacks), those with higher education, those who did not use injection drugs, those with three or more HIV-related symptoms, those with public health insurance (vs. no insurance), and those who received short-term case management (vs. passive referral). The findings support several conceptual categories of Andersen's behavioural model of health services utilization as applied to the use of HIV medical care among persons recently diagnosed with HIV.     

A syndemic of psychosocial health problems is associated with increased HIV sexual risk among Nigerian gay,bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)

ABSTRACT

Nigerian gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience negative psychosocial health problems, which may increase their risk for HIV infection. Few studies have explored the syndemic effect of co-occurring psychosocial health problems on HIV sexual risk among Nigerian GBMSM. We investigated the co-occurrence of syndemic psychosocial health problems and their synergistic effect on HIV risk behaviors. We assessed depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol dependence, tobacco use, and hard-drug use. The outcome variables were the number of male sexual partners and consistent condom use. In a multivariable model, experiencing 4 or more psychosocial health problems – compared to experience none or one psychosocial health problem – was significantly associated with increasing number of male sexual partners. We found no statistically significant association between the number of syndemic psychosocial health problems and consistent condom use. Our study findings provides evidence of a synergistic relationship between negative psychosocial health factors and HIV sexual risk behavior. These findings underscore the importance of developing HIV prevention programming aimed at reducing HIV transmission risk that incorporate substance use and mental health treatments, in order to improve the overall health and quality of life for Nigerian GBMSM.     

Vaginal trichomoniasis among HIV patients attending primary health care centers of Jos,Nigeria

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of trichomonal infection in HIV/AIDS and non-HIV control group of patients in a population of women with abnormal vaginal discharge.MethodsWe conducted a simple cross-sectional study. Primary health care centers in Jos metropolis and Jos University Teaching Hospital, during December 2006 to December 2007. Seven hundred high vaginal swabs were collected; 350 from HIV positive and another 350 from HIV-negative control group of patients with abnormal vaginal discharge attending primary health care centers in Jos metropolis and analysed for microscopy and culture in Jos University Teaching Hospital. Data on epidemiologic indices from the patients, using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were collected.ResultsThe rate of trichomoniasis among all participants in the study was 17% (n=120/700). The prevalence rate of trichomoniasis among persons with HIV was 24% while it was found to be 10.3% among HIV negative controls. The difference was statistically significant (χ² =23.172; df=1; P<0.05). The rate of co-infection of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) in bacterial vaginosis was 42% (n=50/120), while it was 24% (n=29/120) in candidiasis. The singles had a 35% high rate of trichomonal infection. The infected women had a median age of 26 years, and a median number of 3 intra-vaginal sex partners per week.ConclusionsThere was a significant statistical difference in prevalence of T. vaginalis between HIV/AIDS group and non-HIV(control) group of patients in the study (P<0.05). Local HIV prevention strategies should target such women with trichomonal infection for intervention efforts, especially in HIV endemic area of sub-continent of Africa to further reduce the burden of HIV in the population.     

Physical activity and long-term survival in older men and women: A 21 year longitudinal study

ABSTRACT

The NLSAA survey was conducted in 1985 with 1,042 participants. As of 31st May 2006 (21 years from baseline), there were 919 recorded deaths (368 men and 551 women). Mortality analyses were from baseline interview to death or censorship (May 2006). Men and women were analysed separately in unadjusted models and adjusting for demographic and health-related variables. In separate unadjusted models, participation in outdoor activities, indoor productive activities, leisure activities, walking, undertaking activities requiring flexibility, and physical effort each were associated with reduced long-term mortality among both men and women. In adjusted models, participation in physical activities had no significant association with mortality risk for men. Among women, participation in outdoor activities and leisure activities remained significantly associated with long-term survival in adjusted models. Among men, the benefits of physical activities for mortality risk were explained through demographic, health, and psychosocial variables. However, participation in outdoor and leisure physical activities was beneficial for women and had a significant association with survival, even when controlling for demographic, health and psychosocial variables. Therefore, encouraging participation in specific physical activities, such as gardening, swimming, and dancing among older women may improve long-term survival.     

Psychosocial Factors Are More Important Than Disease Activity in Determining Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Health Status in Adults at a Celiac Disease Referral Center

Background  

The relative effects of clinical and psychosocial variables on outcome in celiac disease (CD) has not previously been reported. In adult patients with (CD), we studied the relationships among demographics, psychosocial factors, and disease activity with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), health care utilization, and symptoms.     

Predictors of disparities in retention in care among African Americans living with HIV

ABSTRACT

Limited health literacy may contribute to racial disparities in retention in HIV care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of health literacy and patient and social-level factors on retention in care among African Americans living with HIV. This study included 699 participants recruited from outpatient HIV clinics and retention in care was defined as visit adherence. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of visit adherence among persons with 100% visit adherence compared to less than 100% visit adherence. Controlling for demographic factors, the odds of 100% visit adherence was greater among non-African Americans compared to African Americans. In models that included health literacy, race was no longer significant and health literacy was a significant predictor of 100% visit adherence. Among participants with less than 100% visit adherence, health literacy was not a significant predictor of visit adherence; however, age, marital status, and patient attitudes towards the health care provider were significant predictors. Findings suggest that health literacy may mediate the relationship between race and visit adherence. Future studies should further examine these relationships and develop interventions that target modifiable factors, with a goal of improving health equity and minimizing disparities.     

Information,motivation, and behavioral skills for early pre-ART engagement in HIV care among patients entering clinical care in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Little is known regarding factors implicated in early engagement and retention in HIV care among individuals not yet eligible for antiretroviral therapy (pre-ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying such factors is critical for supporting retention in pre-ART clinical care to ensure timely ART initiation and optimize long-term health outcomes. We assessed patients' pre-ART HIV care-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills among newly diagnosed ART-ineligible patients, initiating care in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The survey was interviewer-administered to eligible patients, who were aged 18 years or older, newly entering care (diagnosed within the last six-months), and ineligible for ART (CD4 count > 200 cells/mm³) in one of four primary care clinical sites. Self-reported information, motivation, and behavioral skills specific to retention in pre-ART HIV-care were characterized by categorizing responses into those reflecting potential strengths and those reflective of potential deficits. Information, motivation, and behavioral skills deficits sufficiently prevalent in the overall sample (i.e.,≥30% prevalent) were identified as areas in need of specific attention through intervention efforts adapted to the clinic level. Gender-based differences were also evaluated. A total of 288 patients (75% female) completed structured interviews. Across the sample, eight information, eight motivation, and eight behavioral skills deficit areas were identified as sufficiently prevalent to warrant specific targeted attention. Gender differences did not emerge. The deficits in pre-ART HIV care-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills that were identified suggest that efforts to improve accurate information on immune function and HIV disease are needed, as is accurate information regarding HIV treatment and transmission risk prior to ART initiation. Additional efforts to facilitate the development of social support, including positive interactions with clinic staff and decreasing community-level stigma and to decrease structural and resource-depleting demands of HIV care may be particularly valuable to facilitate retention in pre-ART HIV care.     

Behavioral aspects of HIV care: adherence, depression, substance use, and HIV-transmission behaviors

A variety of psychosocial stressors are involved in living with HIV, maintaining a regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy, and negotiating necessary self-care behaviors. Because health care providers are in regular contact with HIV-infected individuals in care, these contacts allow for the opportunity to assess and intervene on important variables related to quality of life and HIV outcomes. This article reviews information about four important behavioral aspects of HIV care: treatment adherence, depression, high-risk sex, and substance abuse. Efforts by health care providers to address these factors may result in better treatment outcomes, enhanced quality of life among HIV patients, and decreased HIV transmission.     

Risk factors for postpartum depression in women living with HIV attending prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital,Nairobi

Mothers with HIV are at high risk of a range of psychosocial issues that may impact HIV disease progression for themselves and their children. Stigma has also become a substantial barrier to accessing HIV/AIDS care and prevention services. The study objective was to determine the prevalence and severity of postpartum depression (PPD) among women living with HIV and to further understand the impact of stigma and other psychosocial factors in 123 women living with HIV attending prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital located in Nairobi, Kenya. We used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument – PLWHA (HASI – P). Forty-eight percent (N?=?59) of women screened positive for elevated depressive symptoms. Eleven (9%) of the participants reported high levels of stigma. Multivariate analyses showed that lower education (OR?=?0.14, 95% CI [0.04–0.46], p?=?.001) and lack of family support (OR?=?2.49, 95% CI [1.14–5.42], p?=?.02) were associated with the presence of elevated depressive symptoms. The presence of stigma implied more than ninefold risk of development of PPD (OR?=?9.44, 95% CI [1.132–78.79], p?=?.04). Stigma was positively correlated with an increase in PPD. PMTCT is an ideal context to reach out to women to address mental health problems especially depression screening and offering psychosocial treatments bolstering quality of life of the mother–baby dyad.     

Prevalence and correlates of psychosocial conditions among people living with HIV in southern India

Psychosocial conditions such as depression, intimate partner violence (IPV), and history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have been associated with poor HIV-related outcomes. In India, which has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world, little is understood about the impact of psychosocial conditions on people living with HIV (PLHIV). We aimed to understand the prevalence and correlates of psychosocial conditions among PLHIV entering into HIV care at the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education in Chennai, India. Thirteen questions were added to the standard voluntary counseling and testing questionnaire, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (a depression scale) and questions assessing for CSA and IPV. We fitted logistic regression models, stratified by gender, with psychosocial condition as the outcome of interest and substance use variables and socio-demographic variables as the correlates of interest. Three hundred and eighty-three persons were enrolled into the study; of these, 253 (66%) tested positive for HIV, including 149 men and 104 women, and were included in the models. More than one-quarter (28%) of the men and 19% of the women reported at least one psychosocial condition (probable depression, CSA, or IPV). In adjusted analysis, current alcohol use was associated with greater than two times higher odds of a psychosocial condition (Adjusted Odds Ratio?=?2.24, 95% CI, 1.04–4.85) among men. In conclusion, we estimated the prevalence of probable depression, CSA, and IPV among PLHIV presenting for HIV care in southern India and found that, among male PLHIV, alcohol use was associated with a markedly higher odds of reporting a psychosocial condition. Further study is needed to characterize alcohol use among male PLHIV and the possible deleterious impact of psychosocial conditions and alcohol use on HIV-related outcomes in India.     

“Where people are safe in their own homes:” The interplay of community factors and health among people living with HIV in the Deep South

Abstract

Our aim was to explore the role of community factors in HIV health within the Deep South. We utilized community-based participatory research to qualitatively explore experiences and perceptions of 40 persons living with HIV (age ≥18) regarding their communities and HIV health. Participants identified community factors that were important for their health (e.g. social involvement) and those that were detrimental to their health (e.g. crime). It is important for HIV providers to be aware of the factors that may affect patients’ ability to remain engaged in care. Policymakers should consider the impact that community-level factors have on population health.     

Self-appraised health, HIV infection, and depression in female clients of AIDS counseling centers

The development of effective coping strategies may require that women and men with HIV have an accurate, and to the greatest extent possible, positive, perception of their own health status. This has been found to be lacking among HIV-infected persons with limited education/information, including many minority adults. The objective of this study is to test several hypotheses that predict depression and perceived health in female adults with HIV. Data were obtained from 103 HIV-infected women (age > or = 18) who sought support, counseling, and maintenance services from one of four HIV care and referral centers in the mid-South. The results emphasize that perceived health status may fulfill a psychological distress-moderating or distress-aggravating function for women with HIV/AIDS.     

Syndemic Conditions,HIV Transmission Risk Behavior,and Transactional Sex Among Transgender Women

This study examined the effect of four syndemic conditions—namely, polydrug use, depression, childhood sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence—on rates of HIV transmission risk behavior (TRB) and separately, transactional sex among transgender women. TRB was defined as the number of condomless penetrative sex events with a casual or main partner of discordant or unknown HIV status. Using data from 212 transgender women in New York City, multivariable analyses revealed that, compared to those with no syndemic conditions, dramatically higher rates of recent HIV TRB events (ARR?=?8.84, p?<?0.001) and recent transactional sex events (ARR?=?8.32, p?<?0.001) were reported by participants with all four syndemic conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering the role of syndemic conditions in HIV risk among transgender women, and the need for comprehensive psychosocial interventions to improve sexual health among this population.     

Predictors of HIV sex risk behavior among women in US drug treatment programs: NIDA CTN trial results

Abstract

HIV prevention for women with substance use disorders is a public health priority. To identify characteristics associated with sexual risk among women in outpatient substance abuse treatment we categorized 809 screened women into three groups: (1) sexually inactive, (2) sexually active with consistent condom use, and (3) sexually active with inconsistent condom use. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine demographics, substance use and treatment characteristics, and regional HIV seroprevalence as predictors of sexual risk behavior. Younger age and attending psychosocial (PS) treatment were significantly associated with being at higher HIV risk. HIV prevention should be tailored to address HIV risk in younger women in PS treatment.     

Psychological Distress Patterns of Women and Mothers Presenting for HIV-Related Mental Health Care

ABSTRACT

Over a seven year period, data were collected from 228 women living with HIV upon their self-enrollment into mental health care at an HIV-related mental health clinic. Analyses were conducted to explore the symptoms of mental health distress being presented by women upon their enrollment into care and, in particular, associations between these symptoms and characteristics of motherhood. Findings suggest that women living with HIV present for care with significant levels of psychological distress symptoms and that factors related to parenthood are associated with diverse clinical presentations. As an increasingly prevalent component of the HIV social services system, women living with HIV are in need of access to services that are responsive to their unique mental health issues and that are based upon an understanding of the extent to which familial variables influence psychological distress.     

Psychosocial Health Conditions and HIV Prevalence and Incidence in a Cohort of Men Who have Sex with Men in Bangkok,Thailand: Evidence of a Syndemic Effect

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok may experience multiple psychosocial health conditions, such as substance use, suicidality, and a history of sexual abuse. These factors may contribute to HIV vulnerability in a syndemic way. A syndemic is defined as a number of synergistically interacting health conditions producing excess disease in a population. The objective of this study is to examine whether psychosocial health conditions among MSM have a syndemic association with HIV prevalence and HIV incidence. To do this, we evaluated psychosocial health conditions and their associations with unprotected sex, HIV prevalence and HIV incidence in a cohort of Thai MSM (N = 1,292). There was a positive and significant association between the number of psychosocial health conditions and increased levels of unprotected sex and HIV prevalence at study baseline. The number of psychosocial health conditions at baseline was also associated with increased HIV incidence during follow-up (no conditions, HIV incidence = 15.3 %; one to three conditions, 23.7 %; four to five conditions, 33.2 %). The number of psychosocial health conditions was positively associated with HIV risk behavior and HIV prevalence and incidence. Prevention efforts among MSM need to address the existence of multiple psychosocial health conditions and their synergy to effectively decrease the spread of HIV infection.     

When the At-Risk Do Not Develop Heart Failure: Understanding Positive Deviance Among Postmenopausal African American and Hispanic Women

BackgroundAfrican American and Hispanic postmenopausal women have the highest risk for heart failure compared with other races, but heart failure prevalence is lower than expected in some national cohorts. It is unknown whether psychosocial factors are associated with lower risk of incident heart failure hospitalization among high-risk postmenopausal minority women.Methods and ResultsUsing the Women's Health Initiative Study, African American and US Hispanic women were classified as high-risk for incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more traditional heart failure risk factors and the highest tertile heart failure genetic risk scores. Positive psychosocial factors (optimism, social support, religion) and negative psychosocial factors (living alone, social strain, depressive symptoms) were measured using validated survey instruments at baseline. Adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios of developing heart failure hospitalization were determined with death as a competing risk. Positive deviance indicated not developing incident heart failure hospitalization with 1 or more risk factors and the highest tertile for genetic risk. Among 7986 African American women (mean follow-up of 16 years), 27.0% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk African American women, optimism was associated with modestly reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.91–0.99), and social strain was associated with modestly increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.12) in the initial models; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses. Among 3341 Hispanic women, 25.1% demonstrated positive deviance. Among high-risk Hispanic women, living alone was associated with increased risk of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.63) in unadjusted analyses; however, no psychosocial factors were associated with heart failure hospitalization in fully adjusted analyses.ConclusionsAmong postmenopausal African American and Hispanic women, a significant proportion remained free from heart failure hospitalization despite having the highest genetic risk profile and 1 or more traditional risk factors. No observed psychosocial factors were associated with incident heart failure hospitalization in high-risk African Americans and Hispanics. Additional investigation is needed to understand protective factors among high-risk African American and Hispanic women.