HIV/AIDS, treatment adherence, and lifestyle: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

HIV treatment and medication adherence remain significant to prolonging the life of people with HIV/AIDS. Challenges to and beneficial factors that promote treatment adherence and the maintenance of a healthy HIV-positive lifestyle were examined among N = 100 participants from three HIV/AIDS support networks in California. This study employed an anonymous, open-ended methodology, whereas much of the previous research has used interviews, focus groups, or researcher-generated Likert-type surveys. In addition, most of our participants were from small towns in Central California, whereas past studies have largely been based on urban samples. Although most of the thematic categories that emerged in our data confirmed previous research, several novel and understudied factors also were important. Implications for healthcare providers and counselors are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• medication adherence
• psychological factors
• qualitative study
• rural and small town populations
• treatment adherence