 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Kevin T. Roe, MPH(C), Health Science, San Jose State University, 231 Sanchez St. #5, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-552-0450, ktroe@earthlink.net
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has extended and improved the lives of many persons living with HIV. However, these multi-drug regimens can be complicated to manage, carry the potential for numerous adverse events and toxicities, and are expensive. This qualitative PhotoVOICE study, a participatory research and education model, examined the experiences of five HIV+ men in San Francisco on long-term HIV treatment, recruited from local HIV/AIDS service organizations and snowball sampling. The results provide a first-person account, through photographs, written descriptions, and group analysis of the benefits and challenges associated with long-term HAART use for this group of men. Individual benefits of treatment and facilitators of adherence are identified, as well as barriers to treatment adherence, including regimen complexity, side effects, and personal psychological impacts in response to community expectations and standards of appearance. From the group analysis, recommendations for community and organizational support are provided, as well as policy recommendations for the continued support and provision of services to people living with HIV and AIDS.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Photovoice
Awards: Excellence in Abstract Submission among New Investigators--Award Winner - Winner
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.