Patients' perception of information about HAART: impact on treatment decisions

The aim of this study was to profile patients' satisfaction with information they have received about HAART in relation to treatment uptake. As part of a prospective investigation into uptake and adherence to HAART, 115 participants, comprising predominantly gay men, completed validated questionnaires investigating their satisfaction with information relating to practical aspects and potential problems of HAART, perceptions of information from different sources and beliefs about HAART, following a clinically recommended treatment offer. There was a wide range of total satisfaction scores indicating variation in patients' information requirements. Those who declined HAART were less satisfied with the information they had received than those who accepted the treatment recommendation (p < 0.05). Lower levels of satisfaction were associated with stronger concerns about the potential adverse effects of HAART (p < 0.05). Furthermore, concerns about HAART were related to uptake of HAART with those declining treatment being significantly more concerned about potential adverse effects than those who accepted the treatment offer (p < 0.001). The most helpful sources of information were specialist HIV staff: hospital consultants, pharmacists and nurses, as well as other people with HIV. This study improves our understanding of how information about HAART is perceived by people faced with treatment decisions. It emphasizes the importance of providing information tailored to meet the needs of individual patients and address their specific concerns, in order to support informed decision making.