CAHSS Faculty Articles
Title
The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management among Vulnerable Populations
Department
Department of Family Therapy
Publication Date
8-5-2014
Publication Title
AIDS and Behavior
ISSN
1090-7165
Volume
19
Issue/No.
5
First Page
857
Last Page
868
Abstract
The diversion of antiretroviral medications (ARVs) has implications for the integrity and success of HIV care, however little is known about the ARV illicit market. This paper aimed to identify the motivations for buying illicit ARVs and to describe market dynamics. Semi-structured interviews (n = 44) were conducted with substance-involved individuals living with HIV who have a history of purchasing ARVs on the street. Grounded theory was used to code and analyze interviews. Motivations for buying ARVs on the illicit market were: to repurchase ARVs after having diverted them for money or drugs; having limited access or low quality health care; to replace lost or ruined ARVs; and to buy a back-up stock of ARVs. This study identified various structural barriers to HIV treatment and ARV adherence that incentivized ARV diversion. Findings highlight the need to improve patient-provider relationships, ensure continuity of care, and integrate services to engage and retain high-needs populations.
NSUWorks Citation
Tsuyuki, K., Surratt, H. L., Levi-Minzi, M. A., O'Grady, C. L., & Kurtz, S. P. (2014). The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management among Vulnerable Populations. AIDS and Behavior, 19 (5), 857-868. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0856-2
ORCID ID
0000-0002-9141-1395, 0000-0003-4027-7840
ResearcherID
K-3072-2014, H-3010-2014
DOI
10.1007/s10461-014-0856-2
