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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Tuberculosis | Research

Post-traumatic stress disorder among persons with HIV who engage in heavy alcohol consumption in southwestern Uganda

Authors: Allen Kekibiina, Julian Adong, Robin Fatch, Nneka I. Emenyonu, Kara Marson, Brian Beesiga, Sara Lodi, Winnie R. Muyindike, Moses Kamya, Gabriel Chamie, Michael G. McDonell, Judith A. Hahn

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

We aimed to describe the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and its associated factors in persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Uganda who engage in heavy alcohol use.

Methods

We analyzed baseline data from the Drinkers Intervention to Prevent Tuberculosis study which enrolls PLWH with latent tuberculosis who engage in heavy alcohol consumption. Using the primary care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) screening scale from the DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), probable PTSD was defined as reporting ≥3 of 5 assessed symptoms. We conducted the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption and assessed demographics, smoking, symptoms of depression, and spirituality/religiosity.

Results

Of 421 participants enrolled from 2018 through 2020, the majority (68.2%) were male, median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 32–47), and median AUDIT-C score was 6 [IQR: 4–8]. Half (50.1%) of the participants reported ever experiencing a traumatic event, and 20.7% reported ≥3 symptoms of PTSD. The most commonly reported PTSD symptoms in the past 1 month in the entire sample were avoidance (28.3%), nightmares (27.3%), and being constantly on guard (21.6%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, level of alcohol use was not associated with probable PTSD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for each AUDIT-C point: (1.02; 95% CI: 0.92–1.14; p = 0.69); however, lifetime smoking (AOR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.10–3.24) and reporting symptoms of depression (AOR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.04–3.44) were independently associated with probable PTSD.

Conclusions and recommendations

A history of traumatic events and probable PTSD were frequently reported among persons who engage in heavy drinking, living with HIV in Uganda. Level of alcohol use was not associated with probable PTSD in this sample of PLWH with heavy alcohol use, however other behavioral and mental health factors were associated with probable PTSD. These data highlight the high prevalence of PTSD in this group, and the need for screening and interventions for PTSD and mental health problems.

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Title: Post-traumatic stress disorder among persons with HIV who engage in heavy alcohol consumption in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Allen Kekibiina
Julian Adong
Robin Fatch
Nneka I. Emenyonu
Kara Marson
Brian Beesiga
Sara Lodi
Winnie R. Muyindike
Moses Kamya
Gabriel Chamie
Michael G. McDonell
Judith A. Hahn
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Tuberculosis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Mood Disorders
Tuberculosis
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Affective Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03464-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Post-traumatic stress disorder among persons with HIV who engage in heavy alcohol consumption in southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions and recommendations

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions and recommendations

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