title: Religion, Spirituality, and HIV Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
abstract: This systematic review evaluates the association between religion, spirituality and clinical outcomes in HIV-infected individuals. A systematic literature review was conducted for all English language articles published between 1980 and 2016 in relevant databases. Six hundred fourteen studies were evaluated. 15 met inclusion criteria. Ten (67%) studies reported a positive association between religion or spirituality and a clinical HIV outcome. Two (13%) studies failed to detect such an association; and two (13%) demonstrated a negative association. One study (7%) identified features of religiosity and spirituality that had both negative and positive associations with HIV clinical outcomes. Recognizing the religious or spiritual commitments of patients may serve as an important component of patient care. Further longitudinal studies and interventions might be required to further clarify the potential impact of religion and spirituality on HIV clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, PO BOX 8030, Yale Station ~ 1074b LMP, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. Benjamin.doolittle@yale.edu.
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Doolittle
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, PO BOX 8030, Yale Station ~ 1074b LMP, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Justice
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, PO BOX 8030, Yale Station ~ 1074b LMP, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Fiellin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D012067:Religion; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: CD4 cell count; HIV; Religion; Spirituality; Viral load