Treatment adherence: the experience of adolescents with HIV/AIDS

Authors

  • Maria Fernanda Cabral Kourrouski Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto; Hospital das Clínicas
  • Regina Aparecida Garcia de Lima WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000600004

Keywords:

HIV, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, adolescent, antiretroviral therapy, highly active

Abstract

Living with a chronic condition is difficult at any stage of life, especially when considering HIV/AIDS, a stigmatized condition that elicits so much discrimination and which may become an aggravating factor when it occurs during adolescence. This study aimed to understand the experience of adolescents with HIV/AIDS concerning medication adherence. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Nine adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years and six caregivers participated in the study. The organization of data focused on positive and negative aspects related to adherence. The results showed that adolescents have difficulties in medication adherence especially due to their side effects; they try to normalize their lives in such a way that stigma and discrimination do not compromise their quality of life and treatment adherence. Recommendations to encourage treatment adherence are presented.

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Published

2009-12-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Treatment adherence: the experience of adolescents with HIV/AIDS. (2009). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 17(6), 947-952. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692009000600004