Communication Strategies to Improve HIV Treatment Adherence |
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Authors: | Donna Rochon Michael W. Ross Carol Looney Vishnu P. Nepal Andrea J. Price Thomas P. Giordano |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Family &2. Community Medicine , Baylor College of Medicine drochon@bcm.edu;4. School of Public Health , University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston;5. Department of General Internal Medicine , University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center;6. Office of Surveillance and Public Health Preparedness, Houston Department of Health and Human Services;7. Youth and Family Services, Montgomery County Youth Services , Texas;8. Department of Medicine , Baylor College of Medicine |
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Abstract: | Although antiretroviral therapy has increased the survival of HIV-positive patients, traditional approaches to improving medication adherence have failed consistently. Acknowledging the role of communication in health behavior, we conducted a qualitative study to learn about patients' HIV treatment adherence experiences and to identify which communication strategies might influence adherence. Findings indicate that five constructs – cultural beliefs/language, stigma, cues to action, self-efficacy, and mood state – are potentially modifiable by improved communication. Results will be used to create a direct marketing campaign targeted to HIV-infected patients. |
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