Adherence among women with HIV infection in Puerto Rico: the potential use of modified directly observed therapy (MDOT) among pregnant and postpartum women.
Women are the fastest growing segment of the adult population acquiring HIV, and most women infected with HIV are in their reproductive years. The success of HAART is highly dependent upon the ability and willingness of the individual to adhere to complex antiretroviral regimens. Improved adherence among HIV-infected pregnant women will delay disease progression in the mother and should also reduce HIV transmission to the baby. Modified directly observed therapy (MDOT), may benefit this population. MDOT has been shown to be an acceptable and feasible intervention among HIV substance users; however, no-one has yet evaluated the use of MDOT in pregnant and postpartum women. Based on semi-structured interviews with 17 Latina women with HIV infection, we explored women's adherence patterns and barriers to adherence and their perceptions of a hypothetical MDOT program. The vast majority of women positively appraised the MDOT program as an effective means to increase and reinforce adherence to demanding drug regimens. Respondents cited the face-to-face contact, the supportive nature of the relationship, and the practical approach of the program as the primary reasons for the effectiveness of MDOT. Results indicate that MDOT could be an acceptable intervention for pregnant and postpartum Latina women to improve adherence to HAART.
Ciambrone
Desirée
D
Department of Sociology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mt Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02908, USA. Dciambrone@ric.edu
Loewenthal
Helen G
HG
Bazerman
Lauri B
LB
Zorilla
Carmen
C
Urbina
Brenda
B
Mitty
Jennifer A
JA
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012646:Self Administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents