A qualitative study on alcohol consumption and HIV treatment adherence among men living with HIV in Ugandan fishing communities

ABSTRACT

Ugandan fishing communities are dually burdened with high rates of HIV and alcohol use. This qualitative study explores context and motivation of alcohol consumption, and alcohol's effect on antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, among male fisherfolk living with HIV in Wakiso District, Uganda. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 men in HIV care and on ART, and used a thematic analysis approach for analysis. Alcohol use was identified as a major barrier to ART adherence through cognitive impairment and the intentional skipping of doses when drinking. Men reportedly reduced their drinking since HIV diagnosis – motivated by counseling received from providers and a newfound desire to live a healthy lifestyle. However, social, occupational, and stress-related influences that make alcohol reduction difficult were identified. Our findings suggest alcohol use may pose a challenge to ART adherence for fishermen living with HIV – and has implications for the tailoring of screening and brief intervention for alcohol reduction in HIV care for this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• HIV/AIDS
• fisherfolk
• Uganda
• medication adherence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The GloCal Health Fellowship from the National Institute of Health Fogarty International Center and the University of California Global Health Institute awarded to K. Sileo supported this study (NIH/FIC 5R25TW009343-05). K. Sileo was also supported by a T32 Predoctoral Fellowship Award on Substance Abuse, HIV, and Related Infections from the National Institute of Drug Abuse T32 DA023356, PI: Steffanie Strathdee.