Hazardous and Harmful alcohol consumption among HIV-positive patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
HAZAL - Hazardous and Harmful alcohol consumption among HIV-positive patients
IRAS ID
216037
Contact name
Alejandro Arenas-Pinto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Several biomedical consequences of alcohol dependence on HIV-positive patients’ health and treatment are known, but the effects of lower amounts of alcohol consumption in this population are unclear. Data on real prevalence of risky alcohol consumption in British HIV-infected population are limited and data collection in a population sample is needed to estimate the magnitude of the problem in this group. The primary aim of the present study is to estimate the proportion of hazardous and harmful alcohol use in a large sample of HIV-positive patients at an HIV clinic.\n\nWe will conduct a cross-sectional self-administered survey among 400 HIV-positive patients attending for routine HIV care in one HIV clinic. The survey is composed of seven previously validated questionnaires: Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), The Centre for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) adherence index, questions about sexual lifestyle (NATSAL 3) and General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). In addition, we will ask questions about smoking status, diet and sociodemographic variables. The results of this survey will inform future studies evaluating the impact of alcohol misuse in the course of HIV infection, comorbidities and antiretroviral therapy effectiveness.\n\nIn order to assess whether HIV-positive patients have additional risk compared to general population the study will recruit a control group of 200 HIV-negative patients attending for routine care in a sexual health clinic.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0331
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion