Alcohol Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Individuals Infected with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2012 to Early 2013

The purpose of this meta-analytic study is to summarize the current science concerning the (a) prevalence of alcohol use, (b) prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, and (c) association between alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Studies were included if they sampled PLWHA, evaluated both alcohol use and sexual risk behavior (e.g., condom use, multiple partners), and were published between January 1, 2012, and April 1, 2013. Comprehensive electronic database searches located 728 published studies with relevant keywords; 17 studies (k = 19 reports) were included. Findings indicate that a substantial proportion of PLWHA use alcohol and engage in sexual risk behaviors. Among PLWHA, alcohol use was significantly associated with unprotected sex (d(+)=0.23, 95 % CI=0.05, 0.40; k=5). Secondary prevention programs for PLWHA that address alcohol use in the context of sexual behavior are needed.