Decisional capacity and medication adherence among youth with HIV.

Tiffany Chenneville, Michiko Otsuki Clutter, Stephanie Hintz, Audra St. John Walsh, Patricia Emmanuel, Jorge Lujan-Zilberman, Carina Rodriguez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the degree to which decisional capacity (DC) is associated with measures of self-reported medication adherence. We hypothesized that youth with higher levels of DC would report greater levels of antiretroviral medication adherence. Seventy-two (72) youth with HIV aged 13–24 participated in this study. Data collection included administration of the MacArthur Competence Tool for Treatment and measures of adherence (i.e., seven-day self-report interview, visual analog scale, and biological indicators). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, intercorrelations, and multiple and Poisson regression analyses. Youth with HIV who exhibited greater understanding of their disease were more likely to report fewer missed doses in the last seven days. Findings build upon literature in the areas of DC and health literacy and highlight the potential utility of enhancing HIV disease understanding among youth with HIV.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalDefault journal
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • HIV, AIDS, Youth, Medication adherence, Decisional capacity

Disciplines

  • Psychology

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