Substance Use Among Older People Living With HIV: Challenges for Health Care Providers

Frontiers in Public Health

article

Sherry Deren¹  Tara Cortes²  Victoria Vaughan Dickson²  Vincent Guilamo-Ramos³  Benjamin H. Han⁴  Stephen Karpiak⁵  Madeline Naegle²  Danielle C. Ompad¹  Bei Wu² 

[1] Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, College of Global Public Health, New York University, United States;Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, United States;Silver School of Social Work, New York University, United States;Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, United States;Gay Men's Health Crisis, AIDS Community Research Initiative of America Center on HIV and Aging, United States

关键词: aging;    HIV;    substance use;    alcohol;    smoking;    comorbidities;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2019.00094

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Older people living with HIV (OPLWH) have higher rates of substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs) than their HIV-negative peers. Addressing health care needs of OPLWH who use substances is more challenging than for those who do not: they are highly impacted by comorbid conditions, substance use can interact with other medications (including antiretroviral therapy-ART) and reduce their effectiveness, and substance use has been associated with reduced adherence to ART and increased risky behaviors (including sexual risks). People who use substances also suffer disparities along the HIV continuum of care, resulting in lower viral suppression rates and poorer health outcomes. They are especially impacted by stigma and stress, which have implications for HIV treatment and care. Recommendations for health care providers working with OPLWH who use substances include: (1) the need to screen and refer for multiple associated conditions, and (2) training/continuing education to enhance care management and maximize health outcomes.

【 授权许可】

CC BY