Focus Group Evaluation of the LIVE Network—An Audio Music Program to Promote ART Adherence Self-Management

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Marcia McDonnell Holstad, Emory University; Maya Baumann, Emory University; Igho Ofotokun, Emory University; Steven J. Logwood, Positive Records
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-04-01
• Publisher: International Association for Music & Medicine
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2012
• Final Published Version (URL): http://mmd.sagepub.com/content/4/2/74
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Music and Medicine
• ISSN: 1943-8621
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 74
• End Page: 81
• Grant/Funding Information: This project was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Nursing Research R21 NR010862 and in part by the Emory Center for AIDS Research (P30 AI050409).
• Keywords: adherence; antiretroviral therapy; music program; self-management; HIV/AIDS
• Research Categories: Biology, Virology; Education, Music; Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy

Abstract

We present the results of 3 focus groups conducted to assess the utility, appeal, and feasibility of the LIVE Network (LN), a 70-minute audio music program developed to educate and motivate HIV-infected persons to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and self-manage medication-related side effects. Participants included 15 African American, 2 caucasian, and 1 race unknown HIV-infected persons who had been taking ART for at least 6 months. In general, the LN was well liked, relevant, educational, and motivational. It empowered and motivated participants to be responsible for their adherence self-care. One of the more surprising findings was how freely focus group participants shared the program with family and friends as a means of education and also as a means of disclosure. Moreover, the positive reception of the LN by individuals outside of the focus groups, especially children and adolescents, speaks well for the potential broad appeal of this type of program.