Increase in sexual risk behavior associated with immunologic response to highly active antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected injection drug users

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Apr 15;38(8):1167-74. doi: 10.1086/383033. Epub 2004 Apr 5.

Abstract

This study identifies factors associated with high-risk sexual and drug injection behaviors among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected injection drug users (IDUs) after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Participants of a large cohort study of IDUs in Baltimore were seen at semiannual visits; blood samples to determine HIV serostatus and CD4+ cell count were obtained, as well as questionnaire data on risk behaviors and medication. Survival analysis conducted for 190 HIV-infected participants who initiated HAART during 1996-2000 revealed that an increase in CD4+ cell count (categorized as an increase of >0 cells/mm3 or of < or =0 cells/mm3) after HAART initiation was independently associated with engaging in any sexual intercourse (adjusted relative hazard [ARH], 1.83; 95% CI, 1.22-2.73) and with a 3-fold increase in the hazard of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse (ARH, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.57-6.93) after HAART initiation. An increase in CD4+ cell count after HAART initiation was not associated with injection of drugs or needle sharing. Risk reduction counseling remains important, despite improvements in the treatment of HIV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / psychology*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / drug effects
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needle Sharing
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Safe Sex
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / immunology*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents