Alcohol-Related Problems And High Risk Sexual Behaviour In Patients With Hiv/Aids Attending Medical Clinic In A Nigerian University Teaching Hospital

This study was designed to determine the rate of alcohol related-problems in patients with HIV/ AIDS and its association with high risk sexual behavior. A consecutive sample of 120 patients with HIV/AIDS attending the Medical Out-patient Department (M.O.P.D) in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H), Zaria was assessed. All participants were screened for alcohol related problems using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). High risk sexual behavior was assessed using the HIV Risk-taking Behavior Questionnaire (HRBQ). Alcohol-related problems were found in 28.3% of participants (10% had hazardous use, 3.3% had harmful use and 15% had alcohol dependence). There was a significant association between alcohol-related problems and risky sexual behavior. Alcohol-related problems are fairly common in people already infected with HIV/AIDS and are associated with high-risk sexual behavior. Thus, screening and treatment should be part of an effective HIV intervention program. Key Words: Alcohol related problems, high-risk sexual behavior, hazardous use, harmful use, alcohol dependence