The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58962

Marya Viorst Gwadz, PhD, Noelle R. Leonard, PhD, Karla Gostnell, BA, and Lauren Rotko, CSW. Institute for AIDS Research, National Development and Research Institutes, 71 West 23rd Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010, 212-845-4499, gwadz@ndri.org

Objectives: Little is known about alcohol and drug co-occurrence patterns and consequences among HIV-positive women. Our aim is to describe these patterns among mothers living with HIV (MLH) with problem drinking.

Methods: MLH were recruited from clinical facilities, newspapers, and social networks. Those who met screening criteria (e.g., adolescent child at home, problem drinking, no current injection drug use) participated in a structured interview as part of an intervention trial.

Results: Alcohol consumption over the past six months was high (median = 385 drinks, data were highly skewed). 73% also used drugs, including marijuana (50%), cocaine (47.5%), crack (45%), and heroin (15%). Most (82%) believed substances were problematic, particularly crack (48%) and alcohol (16%). The majority (70%) reported current SU problems (X = 5.3, SD = 4.9, range 0 - 20), including financial difficulties (50%), continued use despite issues (48%), missed activities (45%), cravings (45%), harm to spiritual life (45%), and inability to stop once initiated (40%). Only 25% reported that substance use (SU) had affected parenting/children; 18% said it affected health. SU problems were predicted by alcohol use frequency, any heroin or crack use, and total number of substances used. About half (48%) said it was important to change alcohol use, and 63% of those who used drugs wanted to change.

Conclusions: MLH with problem drinking typically use drugs as well. Co-occurrence was associated with SU problems. MLH may under-estimate the impact that SU has on families and health. Alcohol may be perceived as less problematic than drugs.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize alcohol and drug patterns among HIV-positive women
• Understand the range of problems associated with substance use, and how women living with HIV perceive their use
• Understand patterns of co-occurrence of alcohol and drugs and its relationship to substance use problems
• Understand how the findings might inform intervention efforts with this population

Keywords: Women, 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.