Antiretroviral therapy adherence among transgender women living with HIV

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2010 May-Jun;21(3):256-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2010.01.005. Epub 2010 Mar 29.

Abstract

Despite disproportionate rates of HIV among transgender women and evidence that medication adherence is necessary for treatment success and increased likelihood of survival, there has been little investigation into antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence issues among transgender women. This study examined rates of self-reported ART adherence among transgender women on ART (n = 35) and well-established correlates of nonadherence, including depression, adherence self-efficacy, patient perceptions of interactions with their providers, and perceived adverse side effects of ART compared to other respondents (n = 2,770). Transgender women on ART were less likely to report 90% adherence rates or higher and reported less confidence in their abilities to integrate treatment regimens into their daily lives. When transgender women were compared to other respondents, regardless of the current medication regimen, they reported significantly fewer positive interactions with their health care providers. Training for providers and integration of hormone therapy into HIV care is recommended.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Black or African American / ethnology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cultural Competency
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / ethnology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / ethnology
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Medication Adherence / ethnology*
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Self Efficacy
  • Sexuality / psychology
  • Sexuality / statistics & numerical data
  • Transsexualism / complications
  • Transsexualism / ethnology*
  • United States
  • White People / ethnology
  • White People / statistics & numerical data
  • Women / education
  • Women / psychology*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents