Prediction of adherence to antiretroviral therapy: can patients’ gender play some role? An Italian pilot study

Abstract

Recent literature has shown that adherence to HAART is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which involves both behavioural and psychological features. Therefore, the results obtained so far, though promising, have not yet unambiguously identified the factors that could predict non-adherence. Since any support for strengthening the adherence should take into account the HIV+ patients’ perception of both their state of health and their relational style, this study tried to identify some psychological characteristics involved in the adherence phenomenon. A self-administered battery of tests including the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Form-C (MHLC-C) was administered to an Italian sample. Results showed significant gender differences between non-adherent and adherent subjects. Specifically, the psychological profile of non-adherent males seemed focused less on relational aspects and perceived relevance of physicians and of ‘significant other people’, whilst that of non-adherent females seemed more ‘relationshiporiented’. This study means to encourage clinicians to plan specific, gender-focused support for enhancing adherence.

Keywords:

• adherence
• gender differences
• adult attachment style
• locus of control