Over the influence: The HIV care continuum among methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men

HIV-positive persons who use stimulants such as methamphetamine experience greater difficulties with navigating the HIV care continuum that contribute to substantially elevated HIV viral load and faster clinical HIV progression (Adams et al., 2017; Carrico, 2011; Carrico et al., 2011b; Carrico et al., 2014b; Ellis et al., 2003). HIV-positive stimulant users initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at lower T-helper (CD4+) cell counts (Carrico et al., 2011a; Kapadia et al., 2005), are less likely to remain engaged in HIV care (Horvath et al., 2013), and are more likely to report difficulties with ART adherence and persistence that contribute to substantially elevated HIV viral load (Carrico et al., 2011b; Ellis et al., 2003).

Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence - September 13, 2018 Category: Addiction Authors: Harry Jin, Adedotun Ogunbajo, Matthew J. Mimiaga, Dustin T. Duncan, Edward Boyer, Peter Chai, Samantha E. Dilworth, Adam W. Carrico Tags: Short communication Source Type: research