Methamphetamine use and HIV symptom self-management

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2006 Sep-Oct;17(5):7-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2006.07.003.

Abstract

This study describes HIV-related symptoms in a methamphetamine-using sample of 20 men living in southern California. Data were obtained in 2004 and 2005 using a cross-sectional design. Participants were administered the Revised Sign and Symptom Check-List for Persons With HIV Disease and the Addiction Severity Index and were engaged in a semistructured interview. Participants reported using methamphetamine to treat HIV-related depression, fatigue, and neuropathic pain. HIV-related diarrhea seemed to diminish with methamphetamine use, although this was not a motivation for use. These results, although preliminary, suggest that further study of the interplay between methamphetamine use and HIV symptom management is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • California
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Depression / virology
  • Diarrhea / chemically induced
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control
  • Fatigue / prevention & control
  • Fatigue / virology
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain / virology
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Care / methods*
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Viral Load