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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3037.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:05 AM

Abstract #112409

Opportunities to support adherence and safe sex among PLWHA receiving HAART in public health clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Jessica A. Fehringer, BS1, Deanna Kerrigan, MHS, PhD1, Elize Fonseca, BS2, Francisco Bastos, MD, PhD2, Cāndido Leonardo Campos Maia, MD2, Rosa Rezende2, and Jose H. Pilotto, MD2. (1) International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N, Wolfe Street, Mailbox #1216, Baltimore, MD 21205, 734-417-9626, jfehring@jhsph.edu, (2) Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4362, Biblioteca de Manguinhos #229, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objectives: To explore opportunities to support adherence and protective sexual behavior among PLWHA receiving highly active anti-retroactive therapy (HAART) through the public health system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods: 20 direct observations were carried out during scheduled patient-provider clinical consultations and were followed by qualitative interviews with patients regarding their clinic experience.

Results: Observations showed that patient-provider interactions focused on biomedical aspects of treatment such as medication adherence and symptom management. HIV/STI-related protective behaviors such as condom use were generally only addressed when the patient displayed active STI symptoms. Questions posed by providers regarding adherence to HAART were generally close ended and leading - discouraging an open exchange about adherence concerns. In qualitative interviews, patients expressed a variety of concerns and challenges related to HAART and/or protective sexual behavior which were not expressed in patient-provider interactions.

Conclusions: Opportunities to promote adherence to HAART and protective sexual behavior are often being missed within current patient-provider interactions. Study findings indicate the importance of both improving patient-provider communication as well as offering peer-facilitated support groups for PLWHA receiving HAART.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

HIV/AIDS Prevention: From Safer Medical Procedures to Changed Sexual Behavior

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA