Same-Day Associations Between Substance Use and Medication Nonadherence Among Persons Living with HIV

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the same-day associations between substance use and objectively measured antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: PLWH ( N = 53) were given an electronic pill box (EPB), and their ART adherence was monitored for 14 days. During a follow-up interview, participants were asked about any alcohol or drug use that occurred during those same 14 days. Results: Daily heavy drinking (⩾5 drinks for males and ⩾4 drinks for females) was associated with a nearly five times greater likelihood of same-day ART nonadherence (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.79-13.36, P = .002). Further, drug use was associated with a nearly two times greater likelihood of ART nonadherence on the same day (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.14-2.85, P = .012). Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of continuing to pursue interventions to effectively address heavy drinking and drug use among PLWH in order to improve ART adherence.