Drug use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) interactions: a qualitative study to explore the knowledge, beliefs, adherence, and quality of life of people living with HIV taking ART and illicit drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To explore the use of illicit drugs by people living with HIV (PLHIV) taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and their relationship with variables relevant to the management of HIV infection, such as knowledge and beliefs about drug-drug interactions (DDIs), ART adherence, quality of life (QoL), and use of health-care resources.

Methods

21 PLHIV in Spain who concomitantly took illicit drugs and ART participated in this qualitative study. Eight experts collaborated in the design of the semi-structured interview guide which explored the following topics: illicit drug use, knowledge and beliefs about DDIs and their impact on ART adherence, the effects of using illicit drugs on health, QoL, and use of health-care resources. Four of those experts, who were PLHIV and membe

SUBMITTER: Fuster-RuizdeApodaca MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7245822 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature