title: A Peer-Led HIV Medication Adherence Intervention Targeting Adults Linked to Medical Care but without a Suppressed Viral Load.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-adherence to antiretroviral (ART) treatment remains a prevalent problem even among the segment of the U.S. HIV population that is 'linked' to medical care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Controlled pilot feasibility study with ART experienced adult patients (n = 20) linked to HIV medical care without suppressed viral load. Patients were randomized to a peer-led HIV medication adherence intervention named `Ready' or a time equivalent `healthy eating' control arm. Lay individuals living with HIV were trained to facilitate `Ready'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients had been prescribed a mean of three prior ART regimens. The group randomized to `Ready' had significantly improved adherence. MEMS and pharmacy refill data correlated with viral load log drop. Higher readiness for healthful behavior change correlated with viral load drop and approached significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A peer-led medication adherence intervention had a positive impact among adults who had experienced repeated non-adherence to HIV treatment. A larger study is needed to examine intervention dissemination and efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA enriquezm@missouri.edu.
authors.forename: Maithe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Enriquez
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: An-Lin
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Banderas
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Clinic, Truman Medical Center, Hospital Hill, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Farnan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Keyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chertoff
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Clinic, Truman Medical Center, Hospital Hill, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Deana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Clinic, Truman Medical Center, Hospital Hill, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ortego
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease Associates, Kansas City, MO, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McKinsey
mesh_terms: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061345:Early Medical Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents
keywords: HIV; adherence; intervention; medication; peer led