To test the efficacy of an integrated substance use treatment and outpatient HIV care intervention on improving viral suppression in nonsuppressed PWH who use cocaine, addressing their unique challenges.
Key Findings:
No significant difference in viral suppression between groups (TAU = 17.1%, intervention = 15.6%, P = .897).
Higher participation in substance use treatment in the intervention group (87.0%) compared to TAU (7.2%, P < .001).
Significant decrease in severe psychological distress in the intervention group at 6 months (16.1% vs. 24.5% in TAU, P = .0492), indicating potential benefits of the intervention.
Both groups showed a decline in stimulant use, with oxycodone use decreasing more in the intervention group.
Interpretation:
Despite increased engagement in substance use treatment, the integrated intervention did not significantly improve viral suppression among cocaine-using PWH, highlighting the need for tailored future interventions.
Limitations:
Only a minority of participants achieved viral suppression over the study period, limiting the effectiveness of the intervention.
The study may not generalize to all PWH or cocaine users due to specific demographic and geographic focus, which could affect the applicability of findings.
Conclusion:
There is a need for interventions that address the complex medical and psychosocial needs of cocaine-using PWH, including those that enhance retention in care and improve viral suppression.
by Lisa R Metsch, Daniel J Feaster, Lauren K Gooden, Yue Pan, Carrigan L Parish, Drenna Waldrop, Allan Rodriguez, Jonathan A Colasanti, Pedro C Castellón, Wendy S Armstrong, Michael Miller, Christin Root, Margaret R Pereyra, Carlos del Rio
