Effects of empowerment among HIV-positive women on the patient-provider relationship

Abstract

An assessment of the effects of HIV/AIDS patients' empowered behaviours on the patient-provider relationship was undertaken. Participants were 50 HIV-positive women ranging in age from 23 to 48 years, with 60% of the sample African American, 24% Latina, 6% White and 10% mixed/other race. Descriptive and canonical correlation analyses were used to investigate the interrelationships between patients' empowered behaviours and self-reported interactions with their providers. Positive associations were noted between patients' medical decision-making involvement and patient-provider interactions. Patients reporting greater decision-making involvement, had higher levels of communication with their providers, and received more information and positive affect from their providers. Health care providers of HIV-positive women are encouraged to cultivate empowered behaviours in their patients.