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- Title
Habit formation in support of antiretroviral medication adherence in clinic-enrolled HIV-infected adults: a qualitative assessment using free-listing and unstructured interviewing in Kampala, Uganda.
- Authors
Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Larissa; Devoto, Bianca; Coleman, Jessica; Mukasa, Barbara; Shelton, Angela; MacCarthy, Sarah; Saya, Uzaib; Chemusto, Harriet; Linnemayr, Sebastian
- Abstract
Background: Despite initial high motivation, individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for several years may experience incomplete adherence over time, increasing their risk of HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Habits, defined as automatic and regular practices, do not rely on conscious effort, and may therefore support high long-term ART adherence. Methods: This qualitative study contributes to the evidence on how clients with adherence problems remember and form habits to take ART medications. Free-listing and unstructured interviewing were used among 42 clinic-enrolled adults in Kampala, Uganda who were receiving ART and participating in a randomized clinical trial for treatment adherence (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03494777). Data were coded and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Findings indicated that clients' most routine habits (eating, bathing, sleeping) did not always occur at the same time or place, making it difficult to reliably link to pill-taking times. Efforts to improve ART habits included having a relative to ask about pill-taking, re-packaging medications, leaving medications in view, using alarms, carrying water, or linking pill-taking to radio/prayer schedules. Reported challenges were adhering to ART schedules during changing employment hours, social activities, and travel. Conclusion: While habit-forming interventions have the potential to improve ART adherence, targeting treatment-mature clients' existing routines may be crucial in this population.
- Subjects
UGANDA; CONTENT analysis; DRUGS; HABIT; HIV-positive persons; INTERVIEWING; RESEARCH methodology; PATIENT compliance; QUALITATIVE research; ACTIVITIES of daily living; RANDOMIZED controlled trials; HIGHLY active antiretroviral therapy; TREATMENT effectiveness; PATIENTS' attitudes
- Publication
AIDS Research & Therapy, 2020, Vol 17, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1742-6405
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s12981-020-00283-2