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Published on: July 24, 2013
Racial differences in attitudes toward protease inhibitors among older HIV-infected men
K Siegel1, D Karus, E W Schrimshaw
1Center for the Psychosocial Study of Health & Illness, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. Ks420@Columbia.edu
AIDS Care
|November 25, 2000
Summary
African American men living with HIV/AIDS expressed more concerns about protease inhibitor (PI) medication adherence, physician competence, and treatment timing compared to White men. These findings highlight racial disparities in HIV treatment perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Medical treatment adherence
- HIV/AIDS research
- Health disparities
Background:
- Protease inhibitors (PIs) represent a significant advancement in HIV treatment.
- Medication non-adherence is a growing concern, particularly with new HIV therapies.
- Patient attitudes toward medication significantly influence adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore attitudes toward protease inhibitors (PIs) in older adults with HIV/AIDS.
- To compare perceptions of PIs between African American and White men.
- To identify potential racial differences in factors influencing PI adherence.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 38 late middle-aged and older adults (ages 50-67) with HIV/AIDS using PIs in 1997.
- Data collected on perceptions of medication efficacy, self-efficacy, physician competence, quality of life, side effects, dose skipping, and treatment initiation timing.
- Comparative analysis between African American and White men.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed between African American and White men regarding PI perceptions.
- African American men reported greater doubt in their ability to adhere to PI regimens.
- African American men expressed more skepticism about physician competence and the timing of PI initiation.
Conclusions:
- Racial differences in perceptions of PIs may impact adherence.
- Findings suggest the need for targeted patient education strategies.
- Addressing these disparities is crucial for non-adherence prevention efforts in HIV treatment.
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