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Alcohol consumption among HIV-infected patients

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Abstract

This prospective, cohort study analyzed the prevalence of alcoholism and patterns of alcohol intake over time in a cohort of HIV-infected patients, predominantly homosexual/bisexual men. One hundred eleven HIV-positive subjects were recruited from a comprehensive HIV clinic associated with a large Midwestern university hospital. Each participant completed the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) survey and a standardized quantity—frequency questionnaire on alcohol intake at enrollment. The quantity—frequency scale was repeated every six months for a total of 30 months. Forty-five of the 111 subjects (41%) met the criteria for alcoholism, as defined by a MAST score 5 or higher. There was a significant decrease in alcohol consumption over time, from 6.4 drinks/week in the initial time period to 3.9 drinks/week by the final time period (p<0.001).

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Supported in part through contract number N01-HR-76035 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

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Lefevre, F., O’Leary, B., Moran, M. et al. Alcohol consumption among HIV-infected patients. J Gen Intern Med 10, 458–460 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02599920

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