Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and adherence among women living with HIV

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events. People with PTSD tend to perceive medical interventions as intrusive. Factors such as dose complexity, number of pills, food requirements, patient-health provider relationship, and individual factors influence adherence. This study intends to examine if traumatic experiences affect the way women living with HIV adhere to their medical treatment.

Adherence to HIV medications was examined with a self-report scale that was administered to a group of women that attend the Maternal Infant Studies Center. Trauma symptoms were measured by using the Trauma Symptom Inventory.

A total of 15 women were studied. Of these, 86.6% were found adherent and 13.4% nonadherent. Both the adherent and nonadherent activated the anger/irritability (7.7% vs 50%), sexual concerns (7.7% vs 50%), and tension-reduction clinical (TRB) scales (15.4% vs 100%). The adherent women also activated the anxious arousal, depression, defensive avoidance, and dissociation scales.

This study reveals differences in trauma-related symptoms among adherent and nonadherent patients. Increases in the TRB index of 100% among the nonadherent may reflect a need for psychological treatment. By lowering this index, they might improve their desire to live and adhere better to their treatment. Because of the limited sample size, we cannot generalize these findings. We will continue to collect data on a desired sample size of 85 women.