Prediction of adherence to antiretroviral therapy: can patients' gender play some role? An Italian pilot study.
Recent literature has shown that adherence to HAART is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which involves both behavioural and psychological features. Therefore, the results obtained so far, though promising, have not yet unambiguously identified the factors that could predict non-adherence. Since any support for strengthening the adherence should take into account the HIV+ patients' perception of both their state of health and their relational style, this study tried to identify some psychological characteristics involved in the adherence phenomenon. A self-administered battery of tests including the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Form-C (MHLC-C) was administered to an Italian sample. Results showed significant gender differences between non-adherent and adherent subjects. Specifically, the psychological profile of non-adherent males seemed focused less on relational aspects and perceived relevance of physicians and of 'significant other people', whilst that of non-adherent females seemed more 'relationship-oriented'. This study means to encourage clinicians to plan specific, gender-focused support for enhancing adherence.
Ubbiali
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Department of Clinical Neurosciences H San Raffaele Turro, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit, Milan, Italy. ubbiali.alessandro@hsr.it
Donati
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Chiorri
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Bregani
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Cattaneo
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Maffei
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Visintini
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires