Antiretroviral Medication Diversion Among HIV-Positive Substance Abusers in South Florida

Author(s)

Hilary L. Surratt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Steven P. Kurtz, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Theodore J. Cicero, Washington University in St. LouisFollow
Catherine L. O'Grady, Nova Southeastern University
Maria A. Levi-Minzi, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ORCID ID

0000-0003-4027-7840, 0000-0002-4716-3398

ResearcherID

K-3072-2014, H-3010-2014

Publication Title

American Journal of Public Health

ISSN

0090-0036

Publication Date

6-2013

Abstract

The high cost of life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for HIV represents an expense that impedes accessibility and affordability by patients. This price structure also appears to motivate the diversion of ARVs and the targeting of HIV-positive patients by pill brokers in the illicit market. Our field research with indigent, HIV-positive substance abusers links ARV diversion to high levels of competing needs, including psychiatric disorders, HIV stigma, and homelessness. Interventions to reduce diversion must address the needs of highly vulnerable patients.

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2012.301092

Volume

103

Issue

6

First Page

1026

Last Page

1028

NSUWorks Citation

Surratt, H. L., Kurtz, S. P., Cicero, T. J., O'Grady, C. L., & Levi-Minzi, M. A. (2013). Antiretroviral Medication Diversion Among HIV-Positive Substance Abusers in South Florida. American Journal of Public Health, 103 (6), 1026-1028. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2012.301092