Alcohol-Antiretroviral Therapy Interactive Toxicity Beliefs and Intentional Medication Nonadherence: Review of Research with Implications for Interventions

The successful treatment of HIV infection relies on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Alcohol use remains a threat to ART adherence, including the beliefs held by people who drink alcohol that it is harmful to take ART when consuming alcohol (i.e., alcohol-ART interactive toxicity beliefs, AA-ITB). We reviewed the current research that has investigated AA-ITB and their relationship to intentional ART nonadherence. The review of 17 published studies found that AA-ITB are prevalent among people receiving ART and that AA-ITB are directly associated with ART nonadherence and incomplete HIV suppression. Family, friends and healthcare providers are common sources and reinforcers of AA-ITB. Studies suggest that AA-ITB may best be explained by the Medication Necessity and Concerns Beliefs Model, treating AA-ITB as a specific circumstance of medication concerns. Interventions are needed to communicate the realities of potential medication interactions and dispel myths that it is harmful to mix alcohol with ART, while not inadvertently suggesting that it is safe to drink with all medications, which could undermine adherence to ART by increasing alcohol use.

Automated summary

Alcohol-ART interactive toxicity beliefs are prevalent among individuals receiving ART, and are directly associated with ART nonadherence and incomplete HIV suppression. Family, friends, and healthcare providers are common sources and reinforcers of AA-ITB.