Patterns of substance use among HIV-positive adults over 50: implications for treatment and medication adherence.

Background: The population of older adults living with HIV is increasing in the United States. Despite an increased focus on the health of HIV-positive older adults, knowledge about their substance use, a primary risk factor for HIV medication non-adherence, and the association between use, problems associated with use, and adherence behavior, is limited.

Methods: Data were collected from 557 HIV-positive adults aged 50 and older in the New York City area via telephone interview.