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Dissertation
Acceptance-based intervention to promote HIV medication adherence
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3035
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global health concern. Although effective pharmacological treatments, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been developed and implemented, a significant number of adults with HIV in the U.S. do not maintain adherence at adequate levels for treatment to work. The data suggest HIV medications should be taken 90% of the time or more, though typically Americans with HIV take their medications 60% to 70% of the time. Although some promising results have been shown using traditional cognitive-behavior therapies, an acceptance-based approach to HAART adherence may be preferable in this population because of the significant role played by denial. We compared treatment-as-usual to treatment-as-usual plus an acceptance-based intervention for increasing HAART adherence in a predominantly minority, low socio-economic status sample of 31 uninsured adults in a large metropolitan community primary care clinic. Results revealed no differences in the interventions on self-rated measures of adherence. However, patients in the acceptance-based group showed greater improvements in CD4 level gains over time relative to those who received treatment-as-usual. Secondary analyses revealed that baseline anxiety and baseline mindful acceptance predicted adherence at follow-up. These data suggest that acceptance-based strategies are promising tools for increasing adherence to HAART among HIV-positive persons. Future studies with larger samples are needed to expand upon these results, including adapting the intervention to an individual treatment format.
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Details
- Title
- Acceptance-based intervention to promote HIV medication adherence
- Creators
- Ethan Moitra - DU
- Contributors
- James D. Herbert (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3035; 991014632271404721