title: HIV medication adherence programs: the importance of social support.
abstract: Since the advent of medical treatments for HIV, the promotion of adherence to these difficult treatment regimens has proven critical to disease management. Three Connecticut state-funded HIV medication adherence programs were evaluated.1 The purpose of this process evaluation was to explore and compare the goals and modality of each adherence program, assess client and staff satisfaction, and provide recommendations for the improvement of these programs. Focus group interviews with clients and individual interviews with staff were conducted at each of the programs. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed with a code and retrieve method of theme identification. Focus group themes included the importance of social support on medication adherence and the "lifesaving" effect the program has had. The staff expressed that although complete adherence should be the long-term objective, more intermediate objectives should be considered (e.g., behavioral changes to increase clients' ability, self-esteem, and self-efficacy to take medications).
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven 06515, USA. brenybontej1@southernct.edu
authors.forename: Jean M Breny
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bontempi
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burleson
authors.forename: Melissa Hofilena
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lopez
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents