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Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment: a focus group study of HIV positive men

Brion, John M, Jr.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1173130064

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Nursing.
A descriptive, cross-sectional research design, employing focus group methodology, was used to describe the medication adherence experiences of HIV positive gay men who self reported being adherent to their medication regimen. A high level of medication adherence is necessary for viral suppression and reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. The sample was comprised of 24 HIV positive gay men who were predominately Caucasian and ranged in age from 32 to 59 years. The majority of the participants had a household income greater than $50,000 and was living with a partner, roommate, or their children. Time since diagnosis with HIV averaged 10.1 years and the mean time between diagnosis and starting drug therapy was 2.25 years. The time on medications ranged from 9 months to 20 years. Twenty two (92%) of the men reported that their current viral load was undetectable. A conceptualization of medication adherence as an evolving process comprised of three phases: initiation, incorporation, and maintenance, emerged from the data. Themes were identified within each phase of the adherence process. The initiation phases focused on the themes of “learning the diagnosis” and “initiation of medication”. The incorporation phase focused on the physical and emotional adjustments individuals made to incorporate HIV medications into their daily lives and move toward medication adherence. The themes associated with this phase were “struggles”, “side effects”, “stigma”, “motivators” and “being always adherent”. The maintenance phased focused on the ongoing behaviors and challenges identified with maintaining adherence behavior. The themes associated with the maintenance phase were “belief in medication”, “reminders”, “routines”, “significant others”, “healthcare provider relationship”, “acceptance”, and “positive attitude”. What can be taken from this study is that adherence is a complex and dynamic process rather than a static behavior. The process of becoming and remaining adherent is impacted by a myriad of unique factors.
Edna Menke (Advisor)
106 p.
Health Sciences, Nursing
HIV; Adherence; Gay men

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brion, Jr., J. M. (2007). Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment: a focus group study of HIV positive men [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1173130064

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brion, Jr., John. Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment: a focus group study of HIV positive men. 2007. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1173130064.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brion, Jr., John. "Perspectives regarding adherence to prescribed treatment: a focus group study of HIV positive men." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1173130064

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1173130064
871
© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.