Previous research reports that populations with HIV consume higher rates of alcohol than general population. This cross-sectional
study (n = 391) was conducted to measure alcohol consumption, factors associated with consumption, and the relationship between alcohol
and HIV viral loads among individuals receiving HIV care. Increased alcohol consumption was associated with being male, lower
education attainment, and lacking a current HAART prescription. Additionally, among those currently on HAART, unsuppressed
viremia was associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that there may be a relatively low
level of alcohol consumption that is detrimental to virologic suppression among populations with HIV.
Keywords HIV – Alcohol use – Screening – Viral load suppression