title: Test of a web-based program to improve adherence to HIV medications.
abstract: We evaluated the effectiveness of a web-based version of the Life-Steps intervention combined with modules for stress reduction and mood management, designed to improve medication adherence among HIV infected individuals. 168 HIV+ adults were randomized into either the Life-Steps program or a waitlist control condition. All participants completed a baseline assessment and provided a 2-week electronic pill (MEMS) cap baseline reading. Follow up data collection was conducted at 3, 6 and 9 months. Patients in the web-based Life-Steps condition had significantly higher antiretroviral medication adherence rates than patients in the control group over the nine-month period as measured by the MEMS cap. In addition, analysis of viral load data indicated that the program also resulted in a significant decrease in viral load. These findings indicate that a web-based Life-Steps program can be a useful and implementable tool for helping patients living with HIV maintain medication adherence.
authors.affiliation: ISA Associates, Inc., 201 North Union Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA, 22304, USA, rhersch@isagroup.com.
authors.forename: Rebekah K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Hersch
authors.forename: Royer F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Douglas W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Billings
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Safren
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goforth
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012646:Self Administration; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population; D019562:Viral Load / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents