Improving the self-report of HIV antiretroviral medication adherence: is the glass half full or half empty?
Self-reports are the most widely used method for measuring antiretroviral adherence. The association between self-reports and viral loads has been repeatedly demonstrated, but this association does not address how well self-reports measure actual medication-taking behaviors. Understanding adherence self-reports requires studying the science of memory and the reporting of behaviors. In the first section of this review, we discuss research in cognitive psychology that pertains to adherence self-reports, focusing primarily on studies that examine cognitive processes respondents use to answer survey questions. In the second section, we review recent articles examining the relationship between self-reports and objective measures of adherence, highlighting the strength of associations and key methodologic issues. We conclude with key questions for future research and methodologic recommendations.
Wilson
Ira B
IB
Tufts Medical Center, #345, Boston, MA 02111, USA. iwilson@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Carter
Amanda E
AE
Berg
Karina M
KM
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003625:Data Collection; D006678:HIV / Q000502:physiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D011939:Mental Recall; D019562:Viral Load
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents