article · AIDS and Behavior

High Prevalence of Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Persons with HIV, Viral Non-suppression and Any Alcohol Use in Mbarara, Uganda: A Brief Report

Rebecca Fisk-Hoffman
Judith A. Hahn
Natalia Gnatienko
Allen Kekibiina
Lunze Karsten
Winnie Muyindike
Wuji Shan
Olivia Allison
Nneka Emenyonu
Leah Forman
Ve Truong
Judith I. Tsui
Patrick Agumenaitwe
Huimin Cheng
Jeffrey H. Samet

2026Open accessMbarara University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Unhealthy alcohol use is associated with HIV viral non-suppression. It is unclear how common unhealthy alcohol use is among non-suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) who drink alcohol. We conducted chart reviews to recruit PWH in Uganda with recent viral non-suppression for a study on the efficacy of gabapentin for promoting viral suppression among those with unhealthy alcohol use. Of the 288 PWH screened, 87% self-reported unhealthy alcohol use on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption and 73% tested positive for urine ethyl glucuronide. These data suggest that alcohol interventions are needed among Ugandan PWH with viral non-suppression and who drink.

Research topics

HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
HIV-related health complications and treatments
Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-being

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DOI: 10.1007/s10461-026-05184-5

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