HIV-positive persons' perceptions of taking HIV medications

The advance of treatment strategies, such as antiretroviral medications, is linked to better health outcomes for HIV-positive persons. Adherence to the therapeutic regimen is a major treatment concern. Less complex medication regimens have emerged to facilitate adherence. This paper presents findings from a recent exploratory study of perceptions of medication-taking related by a non-random sample of HIV-positive persons. Data are part of a larger study on HIV-positive persons' perceptions of health and self-care, which used Pender's Health Promotion model as a theoretical base. This study used a standardized interview guide to collect narrative data from a non-random sample meeting study criteria (English speaking HIV-positive adults, living in the community). The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board; patient rights and confidentiality were safeguarded. Interviews were tape recorded, then transcribed verbatim. Narrative data were analyzed using Miles' and Huberman's qualitative research analysis methods. Most participants were male (16), non-White (13), not employed (13), had 12+ years of education, had been diagnosed with AIDS (11), and were 35-54 years of age (14). The number of prescribed meds ranged from 0-11. All persons with AIDS (11); 4 HIV-positive persons reported being prescribed HIV medications, and 3 reported none prescribed. Of those taking medications, only 3 currently reported taking their medications as prescribed. Among reported issues were: forgetting to take on time; skipping doses; running out; forgetting due to drugs or alcohol; being away from medications and unable to return; purposefully delaying; side effects; and choosing not to take. Some discussed their lack of adherence with health care professionals; others did not. Many described the medications and adherence as important, but others did not. Though results cannot be generalized, many of this group of HIV-positive persons reported a number of difficulties taking medications as ordered. Results may be useful to designing appropriate clinical health promotion interventions.