8th Annual Conference Of The British HIV Association [BHIVA] 19 – 21 April 2002, University of York, York

[AUTHOR(S):] R Horne¹, V Cooper¹, M Fisher^2
1 University of Brighton and ² Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust

BHIVA Conf 2002 Apr 19-21;8:O19

BACKGROUND: We present the preliminary findings of a study to test whether patients' perceptions of HAART prior to starting treatment predict subsequent adherence.

METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study in which consecutive patients (n=46; response rate = 81.5%) accepting an offer of HAART (made according to BHIVA Guidelines) completed a validated questionnaire assessing perceptions of personal need for HAART and concerns about potential adverse effects. These patients were separated into high- and low-adherence groups (reporting taking <90% HAART over previous month or stopping HAART without consulting a doctor). The effect of baseline beliefs on subsequent adherence was assessed.

RESULTS: Patients' perceptions of HAART before starting treating predicted subsequent adherence. Low adherence at t₁ = 1 month and t₂ = 3 months was predicted by baseline concerns (t₁ = 2.1; P<0.05 and t₂ = 3.07; P<0.005) and by the degree to which individuals rated concerns relative to perceived needs (NCD t₁= –2.49; P<0.05; NCD t₂ = –2.52; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: This ongoing study shows that beliefs about HAART predict adherence. It suggests that interventions to support adherence will be more effective if they take account of patients' beliefs about HAART as well as the practicalities of taking it.

PRESENTING AUTHOR: R Horne

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020419
O19

Copyright © 2002 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD