Problematization of OxyContin in the media and the subsequent effect on physician prescribing practices and patient use of OxyContin in Nova Scotia

A growing number of studies are being conducted that examine the rates and predictors of violence in HIV-positive individuals. Much of the focus has been in women, and these studies often employ narrow definitions of violence (typically limiting violence to include only physical or sexual abuse, or examining only childhood abuse). However, all types of violence (including sexual, physical and emotional) have serious mental and physical health outcomes. In the context of HIV, violence may mediate poor treatment uptake and adherence. Poor treatment adherence can result in high HIV viral loads (a measure of the severity of a viral infection - usually measured as the amount of virus per unit of body fluid), which increases an HIV-positive person's chance of transmitting the disease to sexual partners or people with whom they share injection drug equipment. Further, violence may mediate risky sexual behaviour, and as such also increase the chances of HIV transmission. Some studies have examined violence and risky behaviours in individuals who are HIV-negative but who may be at risk for contracting HIV, yet few studies have examined violence, treatment adherence and sexual behaviours in individuals who are already infected with HIV. This research examines 3 aspects: 1) how violence among HIV-positive individuals impacts treatment uptake and retention, 2) how violence mediates risky behaviors that may influence the transmission of HIV, and 3) whether these factors differ by sex or gender.