Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive children: examination of the role of caregiver health beliefs

This study examined the association between two components of the Health Belief Model (perceived vulnerability and barriers) and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children who are HIV-infected. The parents/caregivers of 30 children (mean age = 5.21, SD = 3.18) who were HIV-infected and who were on active ART were surveyed to assess current methods of adherence assessment and educational efforts within the institution. All participants (except one) were African American and reported low monthly family, incomes (M = $869.45, SD = $832.63). Assessment instruments included measures of perceived vulnerability, caregiver-reported adherence and perceived barriers, and objective measures of adherence (clinical pill count; electronic measurement). The results failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between parental perceived vulnerability, perceived barriers and adherence to antiretroviral medications. Methods of assessing adherence provided significantly discrepant estimates of adherence. Results are discussed in terms of implications for patient care and for future research in this area. The addition of behavioural and motivational components to traditional educational approaches may positively, impact treatment results.