Effectiveness of psycho-educational intervention in HIV patients' treatment

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Ribeiro, C (Author) Other; Sarmento e Castro, RSE (Author) Other; Mario Dinis Ribeiro (Author) FMUP; Lia Fernandes (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Vol. 5

ISSN: 1664-0640

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-AX5

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00198

Abstract (EN): Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is the main prognostic factor associated with HIV disease progression and death. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-educational program to promote adherence to HAART in HIV patients. A longitudinal study (n = 102) over 9 months in an Infectious Diseases Hospital was carried out. Adherence to HAART was measured with standardized scales and values of viral load. Two groups were defined: adherents and non-adherents. In the latter, a psycho-educational program was implemented and 6 months later measured adherence to HAART. Knowledge about the infection, CD4 T lymphocytes and HIV-ribonucleic acid values were measured before and after this program. The sample was predominantly male (70%), heterosexual (78%), with a mean age of 49 (SD = 12.7) years, and 48% of participants were not adhering to HAART. After the program, non-adherence decreased to 21.6%. Knowledge about the infection increased from 79 to 97%. A significant increase in CD4 T lymphocytes (mean 540-580) and a decrease in viral load (mean 5411-3052) were observed, the latter of statistical significance. This program seems to be feasible and efficient, improving adherence to HAART.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8