Perspectives of middle-aged African-American women in the Deep South on antiretroviral therapy adherence

Abstract

Despite evidence of stabilization in some areas of the USA, HIV infection in black women is not declining in the Deep South. Using a phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry, we investigated women's experiences influencing their adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in an urban setting. Inclusion criteria specified black women who had been aware of their HIV status for at least two years and were engaged in HIV outpatient care. Twelve single face-to-face confidential in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted from a sample of predominantly middle-aged women retained in care at an HIV clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Data were analyzed by two independent reviewers and three themes emerged from the group of women's accounts of their experiences. First, sentinel events led to changes in perspective and motivated women to adhere to HAART. Second, recognition that one had the personal strength necessary to cope with HIV fostered adherence. Finally, relationships with healthcare providers especially trust issues surrounding this relationship, impacted adherence both positively and negatively. These findings suggest that HAART adherence is a complex issue among middle-aged urban black women with HIV in the Deep South. Providers caring for this patient population should recognize that sentinel events, personal strength, and positive healthcare relationships are opportunities to improve adherence.

Keywords:

• HIV
• HAART
• adherence
• black women
• South

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to acknowledge the National Institute of Health Grant number R25 DA028567, UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics in the Department of Medicine at Emory University, and the Emory Centers for AIDS Research, P30 AI050409, for support to complete this work.