Decisional capacity and medication adherence among youth with HIV

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the degree to which decisional capacity (DC) is associated with measures of self-reported medication adherence. We hypothesized that youth with higher levels of DC would report greater levels of antiretroviral medication adherence. Seventy-two (72) youth with HIV aged 13–24 participated in this study. Data collection included administration of the MacArthur Competence Tool for Treatment and measures of adherence (i.e., seven-day self-report interview, visual analog scale, and biological indicators). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, intercorrelations, and multiple and Poisson regression analyses. Youth with HIV who exhibited greater understanding of their disease were more likely to report fewer missed doses in the last seven days. Findings build upon literature in the areas of DC and health literacy and highlight the potential utility of enhancing HIV disease understanding among youth with HIV.

Keywords:

• HIV
• AIDS
• youth
• medication adherence
• decisional capacity

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to this project: Tarryn Dorosz, M.A., Marielle Machacek, B.A., Lauren Altman, B.A., Jericka Knox, B.A., and Anthony Anzalone, A.A.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by an internal grant from the University of South Florida Collaborative for Children, Families, and Communities.