HIV/AIDS treatment adherence in economically better off women in Colombia

Abstract

Studies on HIV/AIDS treatment adherence have been carried out in a limited number of geographic settings, but few studies have explored it in people of higher socioeconomic status in Latin America. This qualitative study explored and compared determinants of adherence behaviors among 52 HIV-positive Colombian women in medium and high socioeconomic positions (SPs). Findings indicated that the two SP groups reported high adherence behaviors related to taking medication, following a diet, and executing lifestyle changes in line with healthcare providers’ recommendations. Nevertheless, differences were observed between the two groups. While women with a medium SP disclosed their diagnosis, were empowered, and had acceptable access to economic resources that resulted in favorable adherence, their better off counterparts tended to hide their status and made a conscious effort to keep their adherence behaviors in secret due to HIV-related stigma. More studies on adherence of people living with HIV/AIDS from high SPs should be conducted to better understand how psychosocial support can be provided and to advance the knowledge of how and why adherence practices in these groups are undertaken.

Keywords:

• adherence
• socioeconomic position
• gender
• stigma

Acknowledgements

This study was conducted with funding from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Colombia. The authors also acknowledge the support of Paula Andrea Hoyos, Researcher of the Health and Quality of Life Research Group of the same university (COLCIENCIAS, Colombia, Category A), who participated in the data collection.