High levels of psychosocial readiness for ART in an African population at the onset of treatment.
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| Abstract |
Adherence at the earliest stages of treatment is likely to be influenced by prior illness trajectories and future expectations, best captured (and addressed) before treatment begins. We examined the influence of illness trajectories and treatment expectations on psychosocial readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Jinja, Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted between October 2005 and April 2006 with 41 members of an AIDS support organisation on their first day of treatment. Transcribed texts were translated, coded and analysed thematically using NVIVO-7 software. Results indicated that acute fear of death and progressive withdrawal from social, economic and sexual roles narrowed focus on survival, while efficacy-enhancing experiences with septrin prophylaxis and trust in counsellors reinforced belief in HIV diagnosis and importance of adherence. Most enjoyed supportive home environments after disclosing their serostatus. Lack of money for food and transport was anticipated as the main barriers to future adherence, particularly among women. Integrating strong counselling support with ART provision helped channel the power of shared illness experience into positive motivation to adhere at the onset of treatment.
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| Authors | Brent Wolff, Martin Mbonye, Aartin Coutinho, Barbara Amuron, Robert Nkabala, Shabbar Jaffar, Heiner Grosskurth |
| Journal | SAHARA J : journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance (SAHARA J) Vol. 6 Issue 4 Pg. 188-94 (Dec 2009) ISSN: 1813-4424 [Electronic] South Africa |
| PMID | 20485858 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.) |
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