Poster

The development and implementation of antiretrovial therapy has had a major impact regarding the number of HIV/AIDS deaths. In general, the focus of the posters herein is to increase our understanding of issues surrounding medical management of HIV/AIDS among underserved populations. Topics covered in this session include the following: (1) impact of race/ethnicity on attitudes towards antiretrovial therapy and adherence; (2) understanding the possible medical complications (e.g., anemia) and the implications of such among persons residing in resource poor countries; (3) relationship of medical adherence to socio-demographic variables, stress, coping behaviors, and risk behaviors; (4) examining these issues specific to persons with a mental health illness, and (5) increasing our knowledge base regarding the pathogenesis of HIV and the decline in CD4 T cells.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify factors associated with HIV medication adherence among diverse, vulnerable, underserved groups 2. Discuss issues surrounding the medical management of HIV. 3. Describe possible adverse outcomes associated with antiretrovial treatments.