In an effort to enhance adherence among a low-income, ethnic minority, and drug affected population in the Bronx, New York, we are currently conducting a randomized, controlled peer support intervention study funded with an R01 from NIMH (i.e., "Project HAART"). In the proposed presentation, we will focus on data from a pilot survey of 50 men and women that examined adherence and variables related to the theoretical model in the larger study. Participants consisted of 31 women and 19 men ranging in age from 28 to 69 years (median=40). Overall, 52% described themselves as African American, 34% as Hispanic, 8% as Anglo, and 6% as another ethnicity; 40% graduated high school or received a G.E.D. Eighty percent of the sample reported being only heterosexual, 10% bisexual, and 8% only homosexual; 24% had injected drugs at some point in their lives. Preliminary analyses indicated fairly high self-reported levels of adherence (i.e., overall, 92% of prescribed medications were taken across the past three days). However, on average, only 80% of prescribed medications were taken the correct number of doses each day and only 82% were taken within two hours of the correct time. Most commonly reported reasons for missing doses "a few times" were "felt worse when taking the pills" (40%), "forgot" (40%), and "was away from home" (30%). As predicted, self-admitted nonadherence was significantly related to self-efficacy to take the medications, r=-.56, p=.000, and depressive symptomatology, r=.48, p=.000.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion, participants will be able to list 5 barriers to antiretroviral adherence, describe correlates of adherence, and improve interventions that aim to assist with adherence
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adherence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.