01 December 2006
An adherence typology: Coping, quality of life, and physical symptoms of people living with HIV/AIDS and their adherence to antiretroviral treatment
Armin Bader, Heidemarie Kremer, Isabella Erlich-Trungenberger, Roberto Rojas, Monika Lohmann, Olivia Deobald, Rainer Lochmann, Peter Altmeyer, Norbert BrockmeyerMed Sci Monit 2006; 12(12): CR493-500 :: ID: 469534
Abstract
Background: Research has found that patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy is crucial to treatment success, but this research did not investigate the patient’s viewpoint. This study examined relationships between types of adherence and coping, psychosocial factors, quality of life (QoL), and physical symptoms from the perspective of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Material/Methods: The quantitative study involved 100 HIV-positive participants. Questionnaires comprised the Trier Scales on Coping with Physical Illness, Medical-Outcomes-Study HIV Health-Survey QoL, Social
Factors of Antiretroviral Therapy, and the HIV/AIDS Physical Symptom-Checklist. A sub-sample of 41 participants underwent semi-standardized interviews eliciting the type of adherence. Grounded Theory was the method of qualitative analyses.
Results: Maladaptive coping (rumination) related to poor mental health (p<0.001), concealing the HIV-infection (p<0.01), and being treatment-naive (p<0.01). Spiritual coping was more likely in women (p<0.001). Overall, QoL was worse in participants with more physical symptoms (p<0.001) and in those seeking mental health care (p<0.001). Working and maintaining a regular daily routine were associated with better adherence (p<0.05). Four adherence types were identified: ‘Traditional Adherence’ (with indifferent, faithful, and anxious subtypes), ‘Traditional Non-Adherence’, ‘Critical Adherence’, and ‘Critical Non-Adherence’. The traditional types underscored a paternalistic medical model, while critical types emphasized ‘autonomous patients’. Critical types were less frequent (39%), although superior to traditional types (p<0.001) in internal locus of control, optimal social support, and adaptive coping.
Conclusions: Critical adherence is superior to traditional adherence with respect to physical and psychosocial factors. Strategies to improve adherence should therefore target empowerment and autonomy rather than patient obedience.
Keywords: Adaptation, Psychological, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - psychology, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active - psychology, Germany, HIV Infections - psychology, Patient Compliance, Quality of Life, Questionnaires, Social Support
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
26 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Predictive Value of Combined HbA1c and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942509
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952