Main partner factors associated with worse adherence to HAART among women in Baltimore, Maryland: a preliminary study

Abstract

Compared to US men, US women have worse HAART and HIV health outcomes. The study examined main partner factors associated with women's HAART adherence. The community sample comprised 85% African-Americans; 63% had a main partner and 32% relied on their partner for emotional support. Adherence was highest (92%) among those without a main partner and lowest (57%) among those with an HIV seropositive main partner. In adjusted analysis, adherence was 75% less likely among women with an HIV seropositive main partner and 78% less likely among those relying on their partner for emotional support. Furthermore, HIV seropositive versus other serostatus main partners were most likely to provide medication taking assistance and to be preferred in helping participants deal with HIV, yet were no more likely to be nominated as the most helpful to them. Findings reveal women's perceived unmet support needs from HIV seropositive main partners in this population and the need for interventions to promote their HAART adherence. Seroconcordant couples-focused intervention that enhances mutual support of HAART adherence may be an effective approach to improving women's HAART adherence and reducing US gender disparities in HIV health outcomes.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
• adherence
• women
• main partners
• couples

Acknowledgements

This data was presented at the national conference of the Society for Prevention Research, Washington, DC, 28 May 2009. The study was supported by National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R01 DA019413-01A2 and R01 DA13142-01A1. The authors thank Carl Latkin for his support.