Medication Adherence among Homeless Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Rural Southeastern North Carolina
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Background: While the continued spread of HIV/AIDS among the homeless population draws increasing attention, the majority of the work remains focused on persons living in larger metropolitan areas. Minimal research has been conducted on antiretroviral (ARV) adherence in homeless persons living in rural regions of the U.S.
Purpose: To describe adherence to HIV medications among a sample of homeless persons living with HIV disease in rural southeastern North Carolina.
Methods: This analysis is a part of an international study that explored self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-esteem for HIV positive individuals. The Revised ACTG Reasons for Non-Adherence to Medication and 30-day antiretroviral adherence were measured with well validated scales.
Results and Conclusions: Of the original 100 subjects included in the southeastern North Carolina site data, 22 (22%) reported that they had been homeless within the past month. The sub-sample of homeless persons was composed of 63.6% men (n = 14), 36.4% (n = 8) women of whom 85.7% (n = 18) were African American and 14.3% (n = 3) were white. Average length of HIV was 10 years (SD 7.3) and 90% were aware of their CD4 count. Eighty two percent (n = 18) were currently taking ARV medications, 13.6% (n = 3) had never taken ARV medications, and 1 started taking medication but made the decision to stop taking it. For 3 day adherence, 50% reported missing no prescribed doses (100% adherence), and for 30 day adherence, 13 (65%) reported > or = 90% adherence. Most frequently cited reasons for not taking medication included feeling sick or ill (36.8%, n = 7), problems taking pills at specific times (36.8%, n = 7), wanting to avoid side effects (22. 7 %, n = 5).
Implications for Practice: Study findings reflect a high rate of homelessness in this sample. Although participants in this study were informed about their HIV status, suboptimal rates of ARV adherence are similar to other populations.
