The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management Among Vulnerable Populations

Kiyomi Tsuyuki; Hilary L. Surratt; Maria A. Levi-Minzi; Catherine L. O’Grady; Steven P. Kurtz

doi:10.1007/s10461-014-0856-2

The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management Among Vulnerable Populations

Kiyomi Tsuyuki
, Hilary L. Surratt
, Maria A. Levi-Minzi
, Catherine L. O’Grady
, Steven P. Kurtz

Behavioral Science

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

21 Scopus citations

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	857-868
Number of pages	12
Journal	AIDS and Behavior
Volume	19
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0856-2
State	Published - May 1 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Funding

This research is supported by PHS Grant Number R01DA023157 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA had no further role in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of this report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Funders	Funder number
National Institute on Drug Abuse
PHS
Presbyterian Historical Society
National Institute on Drug Abuse	R01DA023157

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

ARV
Adherence
Diversion
HIV
Qualitative
Substance use

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Psychology
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Infectious Diseases

Access to Document

10.1007/s10461-014-0856-2

Cite this

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title = "The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management Among Vulnerable Populations",

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.",

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AU - O’Grady, Catherine L.

AU - Kurtz, Steven P.

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The Demand for Antiretroviral Drugs in the Illicit Marketplace: Implications for HIV Disease Management Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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