Use of alcohol and drugs in the view of people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study

• Published in: Public health (London) 2017-08, Vol.149, p.99-105
• Main Authors: Oliveira Serra, M.A.A, Araújo e Silva, R, Beserra, E.P, Melo, T.N, Sousa, L.V, Araújo, M.F.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Adult; Aged; AIDS; Alcohol use; Alcoholic beverages; Alcoholism; Anti-Retroviral Agents - therapeutic use; Antiretroviral agents; Antiretroviral therapy; Comprehension; Drug abuse; Drug development; Drug use; Drugs; Empirical analysis; Female; Females; Focus Groups; Habits; Health education; HIV; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Infectious Disease; Internal Medicine; Kaposis sarcoma; Male; Meaning; Medical treatment; Middle Aged; Patients; Prejudice; Prioritizing; Qualitative Research; Self care; Smoking; Substance abuse; Substance-related disorders; Substance-Related Disorders - psychology; Therapy
• ISSN: 0033-3506; 1476-5616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.04.014

Abstract Objective To investigate the meaning of the experiences of patients infected by HIV using antiretroviral therapy, regarding the use of alcohol and drugs. Study design A qualitative phenomenological study. Method A total of 25 patients receiving antiretroviral treatment participated in the investigation, of which 14 were male and 11 were females, who expressed their feelings and perceptions through participation in focus groups and the interpretation of costumes. The empirical material was transcribed in full and later organized and analyzed using the phenomenological method. Results Based on this amusing experience we realized that participants were unaware of the effects of the use of alcohol and drugs in the AIDS progression. Since they have kept with their smoking and alcoholism habits to be accepted in a social group and consequently prevent prejudice. We believe that our health education strategy was adequate to improve antiretroviral therapy, since it helped in subject comprehension and patients self-care body expression. Conclusion This phenomenological study made it possible to understand the experience of patients living with HIV regarding the use of alcohol and drugs, and contributes to the planning and implementation of intervention programs based on a participative model of care, with a view to prioritizing the holistic aspects involved in the treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS.