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. 2020 Nov 20;10(11):980.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics10110980.

Feasibility of Four Interventions to Improve Treatment Adherence in Migrants Living with HIV in The Netherlands

Sabrina K Been  1 , David A M C van de Vijver  2 , Jannigje Smit  3 , Nadine Bassant  1 , Katalin Pogány  3 , Sarah E Stutterheim  4 , Annelies Verbon  5
Affiliations

Feasibility of Four Interventions to Improve Treatment Adherence in Migrants Living with HIV in The Netherlands

Sabrina K Been et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of four existing interventions to improve adherence to them in migrants living with HIV (MLWH): directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAART), group medical appointments (GMA), early detection and treatment of psychological distress, and peer support by trained MLWH. At baseline and after the interventions, socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial variables, and data on HIV treatment adherence were collected. The two questionnaires were completed by 234/301 (78%) MLWH included at baseline. Detectable HIV RNA decreased (from 10.3 to 6.8%) as did internalized HIV-related stigma (from 15 to 14 points), and self-reported adherence increased (between 5.5 and 8.3%). DAART and GMA were not feasible interventions. Screening of psychological distress was feasible; however, follow-up diagnostic screening and linkage to psychiatric services were not. Peer support for and by MLWH was feasible. Within this small intervention group, results on HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL (decrease of 23.6%) and outpatient clinic attendance (up to 20.4% kept more appointments) were promising.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; interventions; migrants; treatment adherence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The institution of A.V. and S.K.B. has received an unrestricted scientific grant from the Dutch Aids Fonds to perform the study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient inclusion ROtterdam ADherence (ROAD) Project. DAART, Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy; GMA, group medical appointments; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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