title: Health literacy and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected youth.
abstract: Health literacy has been associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected adults, but this association has not been demonstrated in HIV-infected adolescents. Using an expanded health literacy model, we examined the relationship between health literacy, functional literacy, beliefs about ART, media use, and adherence to ART. A convenience sample of HIV-infected adolescents (n = 50) was recruited for this cross-sectional study. The primary outcome of adherence was measured with 3-day self-reports. Health literacy as measured by the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) was not predictive of adherence (p = .15). Participants with higher positive outcome expectancy scores regarding ART were more likely to report 100% adherence, and participants with below-grade-level reading were less likely to report 100% adherence (p < .05). Our findings highlight the importance of assessing both health beliefs and reading skills as part of adherence support for HIV-infected youth.
authors: Ann-Margaret
authors: AM
authors: Navarra
authors: Natalie
authors: N
authors: Neu
authors: Sima
authors: S
authors: Toussi
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Nelson
authors: Elaine L
authors: EL
authors: Larson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: HIV-infected adolescents; adherence; antiretroviral adherence; beliefs; functional literacy; health literacy; media use