Abstract
Contrary to early expectations, recent studies have shown near-perfect adherence to HIV antiretrovirals in sub-Saharan Africa We conducted qualitative interviews with patients purchasing low-cost, generic antiretroviral therapy to better understand the social dynamics underlying these findings. We found that concerns for family well-being motivate adherence, yet, the financial sacrifices necessary to secure therapy may paradoxically undermine family welfare. We suggest that missed doses may be more due to a failure to access medication rather than a failure to adhere to medications, and that structural rather than behavioral interventions may be most useful to insure optimal treatment response.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 437-442 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | AIDS and Behavior |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adherence
- Africa
- Ethnography
- Generic fixed-dose combination antiretroviral therapy
- HIV
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases