Changes in alcohol use associated with changes in HIV disease severity over time: A national longitudinal study in the Veterans Aging Cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Among groups of persons living with HIV (PLWH), high-risk drinking trajectories are associated with HIV severity. Whether changes in individuals' alcohol use are associated with changes in HIV severity over the same period is unknown.

Methods

Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) data from VA's EHR (2/1/2008-9/30/2016) identified AUDIT-C screens for all PLWH. Pairs of AUDIT-C screens within 9-15 months were included if CD4 and/or viral load (VL) was measured within 9 months after baseline and follow-up AUDIT-Cs. Linear regression assessed change in HIV severity (CD4 and logVL) associated with AUDIT-C change adjusted for confounders. Mean changes in HIV severity were estimated for each AUDIT-C change value. For all measures of change, positive values indicate improvem

SUBMITTER: Williams EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6344121 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature