A Cross-Sectional Study of Depressive Symptoms and Risky Alcohol Use Behaviors among HIV Primary Care Patients in New York City

An association between problem drinking and depression among HIV-infected individuals has been previously demonstrated; however, which specific risky drinking behaviors are associated with higher levels of depression has not yet been investigated. Using an adult sample of HIV-infected primary care patients (78% male, 94% Black or Hispanic), we investigated whether depressive symptoms are associated with various risky drinking behaviors. Participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to assess depressive symptoms, and the Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-IV (AUDADIS-IV) to evaluate alcohol involvement. Participants with depressive symptoms (26%) were at higher risk for alcohol dependence [adjusted odds ratio=3.8; 95% CI 2.0—7.2], regular binge drinking [AOR=2.0; 95% CI 1.1—3.8], and regular daytime drinking [AOR=2.1; 95% CI 1.2—3.8], in comparison with their non-depressed counterparts. Because both depression and unhealthy drinking negatively affect medication adherence and clinical outcomes, a better understanding of the association between depression and certain risky drinking behaviors among HIV-infected individuals is vital to improving their care and prognoses.