Medication and Behavioral Adherence Among HIV+ Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to explore HIV medication adherence among older adults. In Study 1, 44 HIV+ adults were recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research and interviewed about their health behaviors, including medication adherence. In Study 2, 40 HIV+ adults were surveyed about their communication with their physician and HIV medication and behavioral recommendations. Both studies found that a considerable percentage of participants were not completely adherent to their HIV medications. Furthermore, the majority of participants reported good communication with their physician. The findings of these studies have implications for intervention efforts aimed at increasing adherence to both medications and recommended behaviors among HIV+ older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• medication adherence
• older adults