Age group differences in substance use, social support, and physical and mental health concerns among people living with HIV two years after receiving primary care-based alcohol treatment

Abstract

Objectives: People living with HIV (PWH) have seen reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and increase in near-normal life expectancy, yet unhealthy alcohol use poses substantial risks to older as well as younger adults. Further research regarding age-associated physical and mental health concerns among PWH who drink alcohol is needed to inform services, given the expanding age range of patients in care.

Methods: We compared age group differences (18–34, 35–44, 45–54, ≥55 years old) in two-year patient-reported outcomes and HIV viral control among PWH enrolled in a primary care-based behavioral alcohol intervention trial; with 90% follow up from baseline.

Results: Of 553 PWH, 50 (9%) were 18–34, 85 (15%) were 35–44, 197 (36%) were 45–54, and 221 (40%) were ≥55 years old. Most were men (97%) and White (64%). At two years, PWH ≥55 reported less substance use in the prior 30 days, fewer social contacts, and more pain; younger PWH had lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. In adjusted analyses, PWH ages 18–34 had higher odds of unhealthy alcohol use, tobacco, cannabis, or other substances compared to those ≥55; with higher odds of anxiety among PWH 35–44 compared with those ≥55; and physical quality of life was worse among those ≥55 compared with younger groups.

Conclusions: While older PWH report less substance use than younger PWH and have better ART adherence post-treatment, they are more likely to experience limited social support and worse physical quality of life. Findings can inform interventions to address varying needs of PWH across the lifespan.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• smoking
• anxiety
• pain
• HIV
• aging
• primary care
• social support

Acknowledgements

We thank Agatha Hinman for assistance in preparing the manuscript and Georgina Berrios for assistance in conducting the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U01 AA021997, K24 AA025703. National Institute on Drug Abuse, T32 DA007250. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, K01AI157849.