Primary relationships, HIV treatment adherence, and virologic control

AIDS Behav. 2012 Aug;16(6):1511-21. doi: 10.1007/s10461-011-0021-0.

Abstract

To identify factors associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and virologic control among HIV-positive men on ART in primary relationships, data were collected from 210 male couples (420 men). Dyadic actor-partner analyses investigated associations with three levels of adherence-related dependent variables: self-efficacy (ASE), self-reported adherence, and virologic control. Results indicated that higher patient ASE was related to his own positive beliefs about medications, higher relationship autonomy and intimacy, and fewer depressive symptoms. Fewer depressive symptoms and less relationship satisfaction in the partner were linked to higher ASE in the patient. Better self-reported adherence was related to the patient's positive appraisal of the relationship and the partner's positive treatment efficacy beliefs. Greater medication concerns of both patient and partner were associated with less adherence. The partner's higher relationship commitment was associated with lower viral load in the patient. Findings suggest that depressive symptoms, treatment beliefs, and relationship quality factors of both partners may influence adherence-related outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / psychology*
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • San Francisco
  • Self Efficacy
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents