5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a known behavioral risk factor for metabolic disturbances and may be particularly relevant in the context of HIV, where individuals face unique physiological and treatment-related stressors. This cross-sectional study investigates the association between alcohol use and body composition in a cohort of 661 adults living with HIV in Panama. Data were drawn from Visit 1 of the Colón C3 Study at a public Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic in Colón. Alcohol consumption was self-reported using the ASSIST questionnaire, and participants were stratified into three categories: no use, moderate use, and heavy use. Body composition measures, including BMI, fat percentage, and lean muscle mass, were collected using the InBody 720 analyzer. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and multivariate regression models adjusting for relevant covariates (i.e., age, sex, ART regimen, CD4+ count, and viral load). We hypothesize that higher levels of alcohol consumption will be associated with higher fat percentage and BMI and lower muscle mass. This study builds on prior findings suggesting that alcohol disrupts metabolic health and physical functioning in the general population and among adults living with HIV. 1,2 By focusing on an underrepresented Latin American cohort of a majority Afro-Caribbean descent, this research addresses an important gap in the global literature. Results will help inform clinical guidelines and patient education on alcohol use and nutritional health in HIV care. Additionally, the findings may support targeted lifestyle interventions in HIV management and lay the groundwork for longitudinal follow-up on the cumulative impact of alcohol use on metabolic outcomes.