Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between knowledge of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and stigma regarding adherence to ART. Method: This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling technique and involved 175 men who have sex with men (MSM), all of whom have HIV/AIDS. Levels of knowledge, stigma, and adherence were measured using the ART knowledge instrument, the Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ), respectively. Results: Most of the respondents had a high level of ART knowledge (76.6%), HIV-related stigma (51.4%), and non-adherence to ART (52%). The study showed a statistically significant negative correlation between stigma and adherence to ART (p = 0.043; α = 0.05). In addition, ART knowledge correlated positively with adherence to ART (p = 0.010; α = 0.05). Regression analysis showed that ART knowledge is an important factor influencing ART adherence (OR = 2.817). Conclusions: It was found that as the level of ART knowledge increased, self-motivation and attitudes toward adherence to treatment increased.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 321-325 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Enfermeria Clinica |
Volume | 29 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2019 |
Keywords
- Adherence
- Antiretroviral
- HIV
- Knowledge
- Stigma