Perceived Positive Consequences Are Associated with Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Persons Living with HIV.

Background: Understanding how perceived positive consequences are associated with drinking may help improve effectiveness of alcohol reduction interventions among people living with HIV (PLWH). We aimed to determine whether perceived positive consequence scores varied by sociodemographic, drinking, mental health or substance use variables.

Methods: Perceived positive consequences of drinking were assessed using the PROMIS: Positive Consequences-Short Form. Unhealthy alcohol use was measured using a modified AUDIT-C. We used multiple linear regression to identify factors associated with perceived positive consequence.

Results: 328 PLWH who consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in the last 6 months participated in the Florida Cohort study (mean age=46, 69% male, 58% Black). Perceived positive consequence scores ranged from 0 to 28 (mean=16.1, SD=6.9). Perceived positive consequence scores increased by 0.8 points for each 1-point increase in AUDIT-C score. Demographics, thoughts on reducing alcohol use, other substance use, depression, and anxiety were not significantly associated with perceived positive consequences.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest perceived positive consequences are associated with unhealthy alcohol use. Positive consequences should be considered with negative consequences in a decisional balance when intervening on alcohol use among PLWH.