Mental health in HIV seronegative and seropositive IDUs in South Florida

Abstract

About one-third of HIV-infected people in the USA have a history of injection-drug use. Injecting drugs are a primary vector for HIV transmission. Drug and alcohol use are significant contributors to sexual transmission of the virus. In South Florida, urban injection-drug users (IDUs) represent a substantial population at risk for infection. Substance use management in this group is critical. As part of a larger study of at-risk populations in South Florida, we examined mental health differences among IDUs (n = 117), HIV seropositive IDUs (n = 130), and HIV seronegative non-IDUs (n = 169). We explored factors associated with depression and anxiety between groups, and found HIV seronegative and seropositive IDUs not receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to have poorer overall mental health than both HIV seropositive participants on ARVs and non-IDU participants. Our data support systems enhancement to meet the various psychosocial and health care needs among IDUs and highlight the need for resource allocation to target community-based integrated mental health services in urban populations. In addition, our data underscore the need for primary and secondary HIV prevention interventions to address the drug-use risk behaviors among IDUs to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection and transmission in this population.

Comparison of Demographic, Epidemiological, Immunological, and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with HIV Mono-infection Versus Patients Co-infected with HCV or/and HBV: A Serbian Cohort Study

“…Intravenous drug use per se causes many health problems and therefore might accelerate the progression of immunodeficiency [39,40]. Furthermore, IVDUs have repeatedly been associated with low level of responsibility towards their health, and hesitation to seek for medical help, what puts them at high risk for disease progression [41][42][43]. However, considering that majority of IVDUs in our study were undergoing treatment for addiction, which improves their awareness and responsibility towards health and socialization, other causes for rapid progression to AIDS in HIV/HCV coinfected patients should also be considered.…”

High Prevalence of HIV, HCV and Tuberculosis and Associated Risk Behaviours among New Entrants of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Guangdong Province, China

“…High drug prices and continuing and frequent drug consumption quickly deplete any personal savings and revenues, and drug users, especially IDUs, become more financially dependent on family support and social security. The employment rate is significantly lower among our injecting participants, probably as a result of their physical weakness, inability to fulfil job duties due to addiction and criminal records of robbery and theft [36,45]. IDUs also report significantly more suppressed sexual drive than non-IDUs.…”

Feasibility of Providing Interventions for Injection Drug Users in Pharmacy Settings: A Case Study among San Francisco Pharmacists

“…Injection drug users (IDUs) are at high risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, drug overdose, and soft-tissue infections (Walton et al 2011; Cunningham et al 2011; Jones et al 2010; Mathers et al 2010). IDUs frequently suffer from limited access to preventive care and treatment for health problems unrelated to substance use (Heinzerling et al 2006).…”