Developing a program for enhancing youth HIV treatment adherence and risk reduction. (11th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fongkaew, Warunee; Udomkhamsuk, Warawan; Viseskul, Nongkran; Guptaruk, Marisa
• Is Part Of: Nursing & health sciences. Volume 19:Number 4(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 427
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 2017-08-11
• Subjects: action research -- risk reduction -- Thailand -- treatment adherence -- youth living with HIV; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1441-0745

Abstract

Abstract : Youth living with HIV face difficult and challenging situations that decrease their adherence to antiretroviral medications. In this study, we developed a pilot program to enhance HIV treatment adherence and risk reduction among youth living with HIV based on collaboration with a community hospital involving a multi‐disciplinary healthcare team. Participants were 25 youth living with HIV/AIDS, 18 caregivers, and 12 healthcare providers. The action research process comprised a preliminary stage and four phases of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This program used "edutainment", participatory learning, and multi‐disciplinary collaboration to improve HIV treatment adherence and HIV risk behavior knowledge, motivation, and behavior. Education aimed to improve knowledge of antiretroviral drugs and HIV risk‐taking behaviors. Motivation was directed at reframing beliefs and increasing positive attitudes of youth toward treatment adherence and raising awareness about safer sex behaviors. The behavioral skills focused on medication management in daily life activities, problem‐solving, refusal and negotiation, and condom use. Findings provided preliminary evidence that the program was practical in a clinical context in a community hospital.