HIV vulnerability among CAPSad users: Relationship between beliefs and health behaviors

Abstract

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is an important mental health issue in the adult and adolescent population. Along with other concerns, substance use can be associated with a higher vulnerability to HIV infection. This study aimed to assess the relationship between three variables in substance users: HIV perceived severity, condom use self-efficacy, and HIV vulnerability. This was a cross-sectional, quanti-qualitative study on outpatients from a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPSad) in Brazil. Our findings indicate no significant association between HIV perceived severity and HIV vulnerability (Spearman's ρ of -0.109 and p-value of 0.507), and a marginally significant negative association between condom use self-efficacy and HIV vulnerability (Spearman's ρ of -0.302 and p-value of 0.061). In this paper, we discuss the stigma related to HIV/aids and criticize fear-based preventive interventions, recommending against them. On the other hand, we propose strategies for self-efficacy development, aiming to strengthen the autonomy of CAPSad users. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]