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Denise F. Johnson, MPH, PsyD and Amy R. Wohl, MPH, PhD. Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, HIV Epidemiology Program, 600 S. Commonwealth Ave., Suite 1920, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213 351-8545, denjohnson@dhs.co.la.ca.us
Background: Antiretroviral therapy has been successful in reducing viral loads for individuals with HIV; however, strict adherence to prescribed regimens is required. There is limited research examining adherence to HIV medications among women of color, a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. African American women and Latinas represent approximately 1/4 of all American women, yet they account for more than 3/4 of AIDS cases reported among women. Methods: We examined the associations between self-reported mental health and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the past 30 days among HIV-infected African American women and Latinas who were interviewed for the Supplement to HIV/AIDS Surveillance (SHAS) Project, a population-based study in Los Angeles County. Adherence to prescribed therapy was determined by self-reported responses to the following question: “In the past 30 days, how often were you able to take the HIV/AIDS medicines exactly the way your doctor told you to take them?" Possible responses were “rarely or never”, “sometimes”, “usually”, or “always”. Women who reported not always taking their medications exactly as their doctor prescribed were considered non-adherent. Results: Of the 141 HIV-infected African American women and Latinas interviewed from September 2000 through December 2003, 120 (85%) were taking antiretroviral medications. Of those, 35 women (29%) reported non-adherence to prescribed regimens. Those who reported being in “poor” general health in the past 30 days were significantly more likely to be non-adherent than those who reported being in “fair” or “good” health (p-value = .02). Non-adherence was also associated with frequent anxiety or tension (p-value = .02) and frequent sadness or depression (p-value = .05) during the past month. Women who reported their overall mental health was poor for 15 or more days in the past month were significantly more likely to be non-adherent than those who reported 0-14 days of poor mental health (p-value = <.001). Non-adherence was not significantly associated with alcohol or drug use. Conclusion: These data support further research into the role of mental health and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected women of color. Previous research has suggested that psychological and emotional support may improve adherence to HIV treatment regimens.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Women and 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.