Examining the effects of substance use and mental health on HIV care outcomes
Official title: Unhealthy alcohol use, other drug use, and mental health disorders: comorbidity burden in people with HIV, gaps in treatment, and impact on the HIV care continuum
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10690634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking too much alcohol, using cocaine or opioids without a prescription, and dealing with depression and anxiety can impact the health of people living with HIV, with the goal of finding better ways to help those facing these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $176,928 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AA028193-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10690634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also experience unhealthy alcohol use, drug use, or mental health disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not experience substance use or mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how unhealthy alcohol use, cocaine use, non-prescribed opioid use, depression, and anxiety affect the health outcomes of individuals living with HIV. It aims to understand the prevalence and co-occurrence of these issues among patients receiving HIV care, as well as the challenges in identifying and treating them. By exploring the interactions between these conditions, the study seeks to improve treatment strategies and support for patients struggling with both HIV and substance use or mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches that enhance the health outcomes of individuals living with HIV who also face substance use and mental health challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing comorbid substance use and mental health disorders can significantly improve health outcomes for individuals with HIV, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesko, Catherine — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lesko, Catherine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.