Barriers to HIV Medication Adherence: Examining Distinct Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Women Living with HIV Who Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse

Experiencing sexual violence in childhood or adolescence is highly prevalent among some women living with HIV, often resulting in anxiety and depression symptoms in adulthood. 

Anxiety and depression have been associated with HIV medication nonadherence, yet little research has assessed distinct components of anxiety and depression as risk factors of HIV medication nonadherence. 

The current study examined distinct symptom components of anxiety and depression as predictors of HIV medication non-adherence among women living with HIV and childhood sexual abuse enrolled in a coping intervention. This secondary analysis included a sample of 85 women living with HIV and childhood sexual abuse and being prescribed antiretroviral medication who completed measures on anxiety, depression, and medication adherence. 

Results from a logistic regression analysis suggest that distinct components of anxiety may be related to medication nonadherence among this population. Targeted mental health interventions for this population may increase adherence to antiretroviral medication.

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By:  Willie TC1, Overstreet NM1, Sullivan TP2, Sikkema KJ3, Hansen NB4.

• 1 Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health.
• 2 Yale University School of Medicine.
• 3 Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University.
• 4 College of Public Health, University of Georgia.
• Behav Med. 2016 Apr-Jun;42(2):120-7. doi: 10.1080/08964289.2015.1045823. 

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