The Impact of Alcohol on HIV Prevention and Treatment for South Africans in Primary Healthcare
Journal of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa - Curationis
;
37(1): 1-8, 2014.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1264548
ABSTRACT
Background:
Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has substantially reduced morbidity and mortality for HIV patients. In South Africa; with the largest ART programme globally; attention is needed not only on the further expansion of ART coverage; but also on factors which undermine its effectiveness; such as alcohol use.Objective:
South African primary health sector; it is important to document key aspects of alcohol use to be conveyed to HIV-positive individuals and those at risk for HIV.Method:
This study comprised a narrative review of relevant literature.Results:
Alcohol acts through both behavioural and physiological pathways to impact on the acquisition; further transmission and then progression of HIV disease. Besides links to risky sex; alcohol undermines the immune system; raising susceptibility to contracting and then countering HIV and other infections. There are important drug interactions between alcohol and ART; or therapies for opportunistic infections and other co-morbidities. Moreover; alcohol undermines adherence to the medication which is essential for effective ART.Conclusion:
Primary healthcare clinic attendees need evidence-based information on the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on HIV infection; which ensue throughout the clinical course of HIV. This spans the role of alcohol consumption as a risk factor for HIV infection; HIV replication in infected individuals; a person's response to HIV infection and HIV treatment. Primary healthcare workers; especially nurses and HIV counsellors; require training in order to screen for and provide appropriate interventions for HIV-positive patients; those on treatment and treatment-naive patients; who will benefit from reduced alcohol consumption or the cessation thereof
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Primary Health Care
/
Alcohol Drinking
/
HIV Infections
Type of study:
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa - Curationis
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
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