Neurological Function, Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Factors, and Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Alcohol Users

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine neurological impairment in combination with information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) variables. The study tests the role of IMB variables as mediators of antecedent variables of demographics, life stress, social support, and neurological impairment with outcome measures of HIV preventive and risk behaviors in a sample of HIV-positive, alcohol-using adults (n = 250) with a history of alcohol abuse/dependence. Neurological impairment was measured with the Color Trails Test (CTT). Average performance on the CTT by the sample was substantially worse than established norms. In a directional latent variable model, neurological impairment directly predicted lower transmission knowledge scores and poorer performance on an observational condom skills assessment. Greater neurological impairment was significantly associated with greater age. Future interventions geared toward HIV+ adults who use alcohol should take into consideration HIV-related and age-related neurological functioning which may impede the facilitation of safe sex behaviors.

Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Individuals Infected with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2012 to Early 2013

“…All of the studies reported at least one prevalence estimate (15 alcohol use, 9 alcohol use before sex, 12 condom use, 5 condom use at last sex event, and 11 multiple sexual partners) or association (5 alcohol and unprotected sex). Studies that specifically recruited PLWHA who engaged in alcohol or sexual risk behaviors (e.g., heavy drinkers [26, 27]; unprotected sex [26, 27, 31]) or recruited from high-risk samples (e.g., sex workers [18]) were excluded from corresponding analyses to avoid overestimating the prevalence of alcohol use (any) or sexual risk behaviors (condom use, condom use at last sex, and multiple sexual partners). Multiple effect size estimates were calculated from individual studies when they reported more than one outcome variable (e.g., condom use separated by steady and casual partners).…”

Exploring Substance Use and HIV Treatment Factors Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment among People Living with HIV/AIDS

“…In patients presenting with even milder forms of HAND, quality of life can be greatly affected, with individuals suffering from difficulties in ability to perform activities of daily living, personal health care management, medication management, and risk behavior reduction (6, 17, 18). Mild or asymptomatic NC impairment is known to be more prevalent than the more debilitating HAND diagnoses (19, 20); however, even when NC impairment is asymptomatic, HAND may still be associated with functional problems such as poorer employment capacity and lower symptom reporting related to lower self-awareness (1, 19, 21).…”

Newcomer Status as a Protective Factor among Hispanic Migrant Workers for HIV Risk

“…Alcohol consumption, which is associated with uninhibited behaviors and impaired judgment, has been implicated as a risk factor for negative sexual outcomes, such as failure to use condoms and HIV transmission (17–19). Many studies have reported solicitation by sex workers, unprotected sex with casual partners, and participation in high risk sexual activities in the context of alcohol use (13, 17, 18).…”