| Title | Buprenorphine/naloxone treatment in primary care is associated with decreased human immunodeficiency virus risk behaviors. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2008 |
| Authors | Sullivan, Lynn E., Brent A. Moore, Marek C. Chawarski, Michael V. Pantalon, Declan Barry, Patrick G. O'Connor, Richard S. Schottenfeld, and David A. Fiellin |
| Journal | Journal of substance abuse treatment |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 87-92 |
| Date Published | 2008 Jul |
| ISSN | 0740-5472 |
| Keywords | Adult, Buprenorphine, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Naloxone, Opioid-Related Disorders, Primary Health Care, Risk-Taking, Sexual Behavior |
| Abstract | Methadone treatment reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk, but the effects of primary-care-based buprenorphine/naloxone on HIV risk are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether primary-care-based buprenorphine/naloxone was associated with decreased HIV risk behavior. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of 166 opioid-dependent persons (129 men and 37 women) receiving buprenorphine/naloxone treatment in a primary care clinic. We compared baseline and 12- and 24-week overall, drug-related, and sex-related HIV risk behaviors using the AIDS/HIV Risk Inventory (ARI). Buprenorphine/naloxone treatment was associated with significant reductions in overall and drug-related ARI scores from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks. Intravenous drug use in the past 3 months was endorsed by 37%, 12%, and 7% of patients at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p< .001). Sex while you or your partner were "high" was endorsed by 64%, 13%, and 15% of patients at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p< .001). Inconsistent condom use during sex with a steady partner was high at baseline and did not change over time. We conclude that primary-care-based buprenorphine/naloxone treatment is associated with decreased drug-related HIV risk, but additional efforts may be needed to address sex-related HIV risk when present. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jsat.2007.08.004 |
| Alternate Journal | J Subst Abuse Treat |
