Exploring predictors of ARV adherence among HIV positive women in North America
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Abstract
Aims: A recent review of literature on adherence reported significant differences by gender in developed countries. Females were found to have lower adherence than men for several reasons many which were related to relationships and sense of self. Identifying what demographic and psychosocial factors account for these differences related to self and adherence has not been evaluated.
Methods: A convenience sample of 2,182 PLHIV was enrolled from HIV clinics and service organizations in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Namibia, China, and Thailand from February 2010 to July, 2011. Of those enrolled, 503 were female living in North America and 383 were currently taking ARVs. This cross-sectional survey assessed demographics, stigma, depression, anxiety, sense of coherence, adherence self efficacy, self compassion, healthcare provider engagement and self esteem on adherence to ARVs. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were examined.
Results: Participants’ mean age was 45 years (SD 8.98). There were no mean differences between demographic variables and adherence outcomes. There were significant differences among adherence self-efficacy, depression, health care provider relationship, and self esteem. This predictor model was significant (p < .001) and accounted for 11% of the total variance with adherence self-efficacy being the only significant contributor. The model prediction rate was 64.4%. Individual item analysis revealed that no one item was more significantly correlated with adherence.
Conclusions: The four predictors are all related to the unique understanding of adherence in women. Further investigation into how adherence self efficacy can be integrated into the helping relationship created by nurses is needed.
