To understand the statistical correlation between substance use (no, single, and polysubstance) and social drivers of health (SDOH) and mental health symptoms in persons with HIV.
Key Findings:
171 participants enrolled: 67 polysubstance users (39%), 68 single substance users (40%), and 36 controls (21%).
Substance using groups were younger (average age: X years), had more transgender women (Y%), and a higher proportion with income ≤$20,000/year (Z%).
91% had HIV-1 RNA ≤200 copies/mL.
Polysubstance users reported the most SDOH domains at risk.
Odds of transportation needs and food insecurity were 2 to 5 times higher for substance using groups compared to controls.
Substance using groups exhibited significantly higher odds of mental health symptoms (depression, mania, anxiety, PTSD) than controls.
Interpretation:
Substance use, particularly polysubstance use, is strongly associated with increased risk of SDOH and mental health symptoms in PWH, indicating a need for targeted interventions such as integrated care models.
Limitations:
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
Self-reported substance use may introduce bias.
Study population may not be representative of all PWH.
The specific setting of the study may limit generalizability to broader populations.
Conclusion:
Polysubstance use is a significant correlate of SDOH and mental health issues in PWH, necessitating further research and clinical attention to improve health-related outcomes.
