Health literacy and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected youth

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2014 May-Jun;25(3):203-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2012.11.003. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Abstract

Health literacy has been associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected adults, but this association has not been demonstrated in HIV-infected adolescents. Using an expanded health literacy model, we examined the relationship between health literacy, functional literacy, beliefs about ART, media use, and adherence to ART. A convenience sample of HIV-infected adolescents (n = 50) was recruited for this cross-sectional study. The primary outcome of adherence was measured with 3-day self-reports. Health literacy as measured by the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) was not predictive of adherence (p = .15). Participants with higher positive outcome expectancy scores regarding ART were more likely to report 100% adherence, and participants with below-grade-level reading were less likely to report 100% adherence (p < .05). Our findings highlight the importance of assessing both health beliefs and reading skills as part of adherence support for HIV-infected youth.

Keywords: HIV-infected adolescents; adherence; antiretroviral adherence; beliefs; functional literacy; health literacy; media use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / psychology*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Viral Load
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents