HIV/AIDS patient involvement in antiretroviral treatment decisions

An assessment of HIV/AIDS patients' involvement in antiretroviral treatment decisions with their health care providers was undertaken. Four focus group interviews were conducted with HIV-positive individuals (N = 39) who were receiving antiretroviral medications at the time of the study. Participants ranged in age from 33 to 54 years, 69% were male, with 44% African-American, 39% White and 12% Latino/other race. Qualitative analyses were used to uncover patterns of patient involvement with their health care providers. Transcripts revealed four primary themes regarding patients' participation with providers in antiretroviral treatment decision making: (1) joint decision making between patients and providers, (2) patients taking control of their drug treatment decisions, (3) initial passivity followed by increased involvement, and (4) patients as knowledge gatherers (revealing where patients get treatment information). HIV/AIDS patients were generally active in making treatment decisions with their providers, garnering information about antiretroviral treatments from a variety of sources including peers, family members, health professionals and the media. Patient passivity in decision-making involvement was found only after initial HIV-positive diagnosis. Implications for patients' apparent empowered position are discussed.