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Crystal Clear with Active Visualization: Understanding Medication Adherence Among Youth Living with HIV
Joan Christodoulou1, Sue Ellen Abdalian2, Annie S K Jones3
1Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California Los Angeles, 10920, Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA. JChristodoulou@mednet.ucla.edu.
AIDS and Behavior
|November 8, 2019
Summary
Low adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in youth can be improved. An adapted active visualization device showed promise in enhancing ART adherence, reducing viral load, and improving self-efficacy among young people living with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is critical for managing HIV/AIDS in youth.
- Low adherence rates among adolescents and young adults pose significant public health challenges.
- Innovative interventions are needed to improve treatment outcomes in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot an adapted active visualization device to improve ART adherence in youth.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on viral load, adherence behaviors, and illness perceptions.
- To determine the acceptability of active visualization as a tool for ART adherence.
Main Methods:
- A randomized pilot study involving youth living with HIV.
- Participants were assigned to either standard care or an adapted active visualization intervention group.
- Key outcomes including viral load, adherence behaviors, and illness perceptions were reassessed after 2.5 months.
Main Results:
- Youth in the intervention group exhibited lower viral loads compared to the standard care group.
- Intervention participants reported less difficulty adhering to ART and greater motivation and control over their HIV status.
- The adapted active visualization tool demonstrated potential acceptability among the study population.
Conclusions:
- Adapted active visualization may be an effective and acceptable tool to enhance ART adherence in youth.
- This intervention shows promise in improving clinical outcomes and self-management for young people with HIV.
- Further research is warranted to explore the broader implementation of visualization-based adherence strategies.
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