Yale University

"You must take the medications for you and for me": family caregivers promoting HIV medication adherence in China.

Title"You must take the medications for you and for me": family caregivers promoting HIV medication adherence in China.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsFredriksen-Goldsen, Karen I., Cheng-Shi Shiu, Helene Starks, Wei-Ti Chen, Jane Simoni, Hyun-Jun Kim, Cynthia Pearson, Hongxin Zhao, and Fujie Zhang
JournalAIDS patient care and STDs
Volume25
Issue12
Pagination735-41
Date Published2011 Dec
ISSN1557-7449
KeywordsAdult, Anti-HIV Agents, Caregivers, China, Family, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, HIV Infections, Humans, Incidence, Interviews as Topic, Male, Medication Adherence, Middle Aged, Motivation
AbstractChina is experiencing a rapid increase in the incidence of HIV infections, which it is addressing proactively with broad implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Within a cultural context extolling familial responsibility, family caregiving may be an important component to promote medication adherence for persons living with HIV in China. Based on 20 qualitative interviews with persons living with HIV and their family caregivers and a cross-sectional survey with 113 adults receiving HIV care at Beijing's Ditan outpatient clinic, this mixed-methods study examines family caregivers' role in promoting adherence to ART. Building upon a conceptual model of adherence, this article explores the role of family members in supporting four key components enhancing adherence (i.e., access, knowledge, motivation, and proximal cue to action). Patients with family caregiving support report superior ART adherence. Also, gender (being female) and less time since ART initiation are significantly related to superior adherence. Since Chinese cultural values emphasize family care, future work on adherence promotion in China will want to consider the systematic incorporation of family members.
DOI10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181fbc94f
Alternate JournalAIDS Patient Care STDS

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