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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Nisha Farrell, BS1, Frank Penedo, PhD1, Jessy Dévieux, PhD1, and Robert M. Malow, PhD2. (1) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, University of Miami, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3208 D-21, Miami, FL 33136, 305-355-9001, nfarrell@med.miami.edu, (2) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, 1695 N.W. 9th Avenue, Suite 3208 (D-21), Miami, FL 33136
Over the past decade, cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) protocols have been developed and adapted to meet the distinctive challenges associated with HIV/AIDS among non-drug abusers. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of CBSM interventions among inner city HIV+ minority drug users (DUs). The present NIH funded study provides preliminary data to better understand the barriers to adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy among 65 African American HIV+ drug-abusing men. Results showed that 92% of the participants were currently on triple drug-combination antiretroviral medication. All participants reported they understood that these medication regimens could help HIV/AIDS patients improve dramatically; however, only 54% knew what would happen if they did not strictly adhere to the medication. Those who had taken these medications admitted to a number of periods of non-adherence due to forgetfulness (82%), side effects (72%; e.g., nausea, inability to retain medication), or by choice (52%; e.g., due to complexity of the medication regimen). Motivating factors for men adhering to medication tended to be good social support and knowledge of how effective these agents could be. Adherence was also related to the use of several strategies. These included using pillboxes, pillboxes with beeper, calendar schedules, or engaging assistance from significant others. These findings suggest that adapting CBSM protocols which focus on a) educating patients about the benefits of medication adherence and b) changing beliefs concerning the potential efficacy of these medications, may contribute to better antiretroviral adherence.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adherence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.