Use of dietary supplements among people living with HIV/AIDS is associated with vulnerability to medical misinformation on the internet

• Authors: Seth C. Kalichman, University of Connecticut; Chauncey Cherry, University of Connecticut; Denise Whiteman, University of Connecticut; Miche'l Jones, University of Connecticut; Moira O. Kalichman, University of Connecticut; Mervi Acuzar Detorio, Emory University; Angela M Caliendo, Emory University; Raymond F Schinazi, Emory University
• Journal Title: AIDS Research and Therapy
• Volume: Volume 9, Number 1
• Publisher: BioMed Central | 2012-01-10, Pages 1-8
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/1742-6405-9-1
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Background Use of dietary supplements is common among people living with HIV/AIDS. Because dietary supplements are used in the context of other health behaviors, they may have direct and indirect health benefits. However, supplements may also be associated with vulnerability to medical misinformation and unfounded health claims. We examined use of dietary supplements among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and the association between use of dietary supplements and believing medical misinformation. Methods A convenience sample of 268 men and 76 women living with HIV was recruited from AIDS services and clinics in Atlanta, GA. Participants completed measures of demographic and health characteristics, dietary supplement use, beliefs about dietary supplements, internet use, and an internet evaluation task designed to assess vulnerability to medical misinformation. Results One out of four PLWH currently used at least one dietary supplement product excluding vitamins. Dietary supplement use was associated with higher education and greater use of the internet for health-related information. Dietary supplement users also endorsed greater believability and trust in unfounded claims for HIV cures. Conclusions Dietary supplement use is common among PLWH and is associated with a broad array of health information seeking behaviors. Interventions are needed to reduce the vulnerability of PLWH, particularly dietary supplement users, to medical misinformation propagated on the internet.