Personal HIV Knowledge, Appointment Adherence and HIV Outcomes

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Drenna Waldrop-Valverde, Emory University; Deborah Jones, University of Miami; Ryan Cook, University of Miami; Allan Rodriguez, University of Miami
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-01-01
• Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature): Springer Open Choice Hybrid Journals
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0367-y
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: AIDS and Behavior
• ISSN: 1090-7165
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 242
• End Page: 249
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was made possible by a grant from NIH, R21 MH 084814
• Keywords: Treatment outcomes; Social Sciences, Biomedical; HIV; PREDICTORS; Knowledge; CARE; ATTENDANCE; ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY; PREVENTION; Biomedical Social Sciences; MEDICATION ADHERENCE; FAILURE; Adherence; OLDER-ADULTS; HEALTH LITERACY; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Social Sciences; Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; DEPRESSION
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Pharmacology

Abstract

HIV knowledge may impact patient access, understanding, and utilization of HIV medical information. This study explored the relationship between personal HIV knowledge, appointment adherence and treatment outcomes. HIV-infected individuals (n = 210) were assessed on factors related to HIV knowledge and appointment adherence. Adherence data and laboratory values were extracted from medical records. HIV knowledge was measured by participants' knowledge of their CD4 count and viral load (VL) and adherence was defined as attendance at >75 % of appointments. Two-thirds of participants were adherent, but only one-third knew their CD4 count and VL. Controlling for time since last appointment, HIV knowledge more than doubled the odds of appointment adherence. In combination with relationship with provider, knowledge predicted increased CD4 count and increased odds of an undetectable VL by almost five times. Personal HIV knowledge may be a valuable indicator of engagement in care and may also facilitate improved treatment outcomes.