Mind Matters: Treatment Concerns Predict the Emergence of Antiretroviral Therapy Side Effects in People with HIV.

The aim of this analysis of historical data was to determine whether patients' pre-treatment beliefs about antiretroviral therapy (ART) predict the subsequent reporting of side effects. Data were collected as part of a prospective, 12-month follow-up study. Of 120 people starting ART, 76 completed follow-up assessments and were included in the analyses. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing their beliefs about ART, beliefs about medicines in general, perceived sensitivity to adverse effects of medicines, depression and anxiety before initiating ART and after 1 and 6 months of treatment. Adherence was assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months. Pre-treatment concerns about ART were associated with significantly more side effects at 1 month (p < 0.05) and 6 months (p < 0.005). Side effects at 6 months predicted low adherence at 12 months (p < 0.005). These findings have implications for the development of interventions to support patients initiating ART by providing a mechanism to pre-empt and reduce side effects.

What factors are associated with patient self-reported health status among HIV outpatients? A multi-centre UK study of biomedical and psychosocial factors.

Patient self-reported outcomes are increasingly important in measuring disease, treatment and care outcomes. It is unclear what constitutes well-being using a combined biomedical and psychosocial approach for patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) access. This study aimed to determine the variance within the visual analogue scale (VAS) measure of health status using the existing five dimensions of the EuroQOL-5D, to identify which domains have the greatest effect on self-reported health status and to identify associations with the VAS using both biomedical and psychosocial factors among HIV outpatients. Consecutive patients in five UK clinics were recruited to a cross-sectional survey, n=778 (86% response rate). Patients self-completed validated measures, with treatment variables extracted from file. On the EuroQOL-5D, nearly one-third (28.1%) had mobility problems, one-fifth (18.7%) self-care problems, one-third (37.4%) difficulty in performing usual tasks and one-half (44.4%) reported pain/discomfort. In the regression model to determine associations with self-reported health status (VAS score), neither CD4 count nor ART status was associated with the outcome. However, in addition to four dimensions of the EuroQOL-5D, poorer health status was associated with worse physical symptom burden, treatment optimism and psychological symptoms. There is a relatively high prevalence of psychological morbidity and poor physical function, and these burdens of disease are associated with worse self-reported health status. As HIV management focuses on treatment for extended survival and a chronic model of disease, clinical attention to physical and psychological dimensions of patient care are essential to achieve optimal well-being.

Symptoms are highly prevalent among HIV outpatients and associated with poor adherence and unprotected sexual intercourse.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data reporting the prevalence and burden of pain and symptoms among HIV patients in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to measure symptom prevalence and determine associations with key variables: demographics, treatment status, adherence and risk behaviours. DESIGN: Cross-sectional self-completion questionnaire in five HIV outpatient clinics in London and the south east UK. METHODS: Consecutive patients were invited to participate, responding to clinical and behavioural variables including the memorial symptom assessment schedule (short form). Four multivariable models examined the relationship between dependent variables of psychological, physical, global symptom burden scores, the number of symptoms and key independent variables. 778 patients participated; response rate 77% of all patients approached. RESULTS: Both physical and psychological symptoms were highly prevalent: in the previous 7 days, 70.8% experienced lack of energy, 69.9% worry, 53.6% diarrhoea, 53.5% sexual dysfunction and 53.2% pain. In multivariable analysis, both unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner of unknown status, and poorer ART treatment adherence were significantly and independently associated with psychological symptom burden. Lower educational achievement was significantly associated with increasing physical, psychological and global symptom burden and with higher number of symptoms. Being on ART was not associated with any symptom distress measure. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of treatment, patients continue to experience high prevalence and burden of psychological and physical symptoms, which are not associated with treatment status. Attention to these distressing problems is essential and may enhance quality of life and adherence and minimise risk behaviour. Symptoms are highly prevalent among HIV outpatients and associated with poor adherence and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Patients' perceptions of highly active antiretroviral therapy in relation to treatment uptake and adherence: the utility of the necessity-concerns framework.

OBJECTIVE: To test the utility of the necessity-concerns framework in predicting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) uptake and adherence. METHODS: This was a prospective follow-up study. Consecutive patients who were not currently receiving HAART were referred by their HIV physician. Immediately after a recommendation of HAART, patients completed the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire assessing their perceptions of personal necessity for HAART and concerns about potential adverse effects. The influence of these beliefs on the decision to accept or decline HAART and adherence 12 months later were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three participants were given a recommendation of HAART, and 136 (88.9%) returned completed questionnaires. Thirty-eight participants (28%) initially rejected the treatment offer. Uptake of HAART was associated with perceptions of personal necessity for treatment (odds ratio [OR]=7.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84 to 19.37) and concerns about potential adverse effects (OR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.48). There was a significant decline in adherence over time. Perceived necessity (OR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.02 to 4.71) and concerns about adverse effects (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.96), elicited before initiating HAART, predicted subsequent adherence. These associations were independent of clinical variables and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The necessity-concerns framework is a useful theoretic model for understanding patient perspectives of HAART and predicting uptake and adherence, with implications for the design of evidence-based interventions.