Association between HIV stigma and antiretroviral therapy adherence among adults living with HIV: baseline findings from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to viral suppression for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and is critical for both individual health and reducing onward HIV transmission. HIV stigma is a risk factor that can undermine adherence. We explored the association between HIV stigma and self-reported ART adherence among PLHIV in 21 communities in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and the Western Cape of South Africa.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected between 2013 and 2015, before the roll-out of trial interventions. Questionnaires were conducted, and consenting participants provided a blood sample for HIV testing. Poor adherence was defined as self-report of not currently taking ART, missing pills over the previou

SUBMITTER: Jones HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7590062 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature