Adherence of People Living With HIV/aids Beginning Antiretroviral Treatment: Effects of Cognitive-behavioral Intervention

Abstract

Background. The study aimed to describe a cognitive-behavioral intervention to patients beginning antiretroviral therapy and analyze the intervention effects on adherence behavior. Methods. Quasi-experimental design, without control group, with evaluation at baseline and twelve months after intervention. Participants were 22 patients, 17 men, aged 20 to 61 years (mean=40.8; SD=9.68). The instruments included semi-structured interview and a self-efficacy scale for treatment adherence on HIV/AIDS. The individual intervention included techniques such as self-monitoring, problem solving and cognitive restructuring about the treatment. Results. Fifteen participants reported adherence at or above 95% of the number of pills prescribed in the follow up. Analysis of self-efficacy indicated a statistically significant difference in the average score twelve months after intervention (p?0,01). Blood tests showed a reduction in viral load levels, reaching undetectable limits for 19 cases. Discussion. Intervention proves to be feasible and their inclusion in the routine of health service should prevent future problems of adherence, in a perspective of comprehensive care.