Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption and associated factors in adults living with HIV infection

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco and alcohol consumption has a significant negative impact on health of indi­ viduals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); however, there is little research on using these substances in this specific cohort. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in adult population living with HIV as well as the clinical­epidemiological characteristics of the sample. Material and methods: A cross­sectional study was carried out with 381 participants diagnosed with HIV, whose information on smoking and alcohol habits, adherence to treatments, socio­demographic data, and lifestyles were collected through both electronic and printed questionnaires. Results: The results showed that half of the individuals were smokers, with significant percentage having a moderate or high motivation to quit smoking. Moreover, it was observed that the participants classified in the group of high alcohol consumption with AUDIT test were less adherent to pharmaco­ logical treatment. On the other hand, it should be noted that 49.3% of the sample suffered from some pathology, with cardiovascular disease being the most prevalent. Conclusions: Therefore, from a clinical point of view and due to the above­mentioned reasons, it seems essential to address the consumption of tobacco and alcohol in individuals living with HIV. Along with proper health education and support offered, it can positively influence their lives in gen­ eral, and at the same time, provide better HIV control.