Qualitative Study of Changes in Alcohol Use Among HIV-Infected Adults Entering Care and Treatment for HIV/AIDS in Rural Southwest Uganda
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Alcohol has a substantial negative impact on the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Uganda, where heavy alcohol consumption is common. Using a content analytic approach, this qualitative study characterizes changes in alcohol use among 59 HIV-infected Ugandan adults (>18 years old), who reported any alcohol use in the previous year as they entered HIV care. Most participants reported attempting to cease or reduce alcohol intake over the study period. Reasons for decreased use included advice from clinicians, interference with social obligations, threats to financial security, and negative impact on social standing. Participants reported difficulty abstaining from alcohol, with incentives to continue drinking including desire for social inclusion, stress relief, and enjoyment of alcohol. These contrasting incentives created a moral quandary for some participants, who felt 'pulled' between 'good' and 'bad' influences. Results suggest brief interventions addressing self-identified obstacles to change may facilitate long-term reductions in drinking in this population.
Source: AIDS and Behavior
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,590
Awards: URBAN ARCH (3/5) Uganda Cohort TB preventive therapy for HIV-infected alcohol users in Uganda: an evaluation of safety tolerability and adherence, Changes in Alcohol Consumption in HIV Positives in Uganda, G1978185739, G208418196, Alcohol Use and High Risk Behavior Among HIV-Positive Men, Training in Research Program on Alcohol Use by Persons with our at Risk for HIV, Mentoring in Qualitative Methods for Patient-Oriented Research on HIV Care, UCSF Liver Center, Traineeships in AIDS Prevention Studies, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS)
OpenAlex ID: W2107384205