Habit formation in support of antiretroviral medication adherence in clinic-enrolled HIV-infected adults: A qualitative assessment using free-listing and unstructured interviewing in Kampala, Uganda

Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson, Bianca Devoto, Jessica Coleman, Barbara Mukasa, Angela Shelton, Sarah MacCarthy, Uzaib Saya, Harriet Chemusto, Sebastian Linnemayr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Despite initial high motivation, individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for several years may experience incomplete adherence over time, increasing their risk of HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Habits, defined as automatic and regular practices, do not rely on conscious effort, and may therefore support high long-term ART adherence. Methods: This qualitative study contributes to the evidence on how clients with adherence problems remember and form habits to take ART medications. Free-listing and unstructured interviewing were used among 42 clinic-enrolled adults in Kampala, Uganda who were receiving ART and participating in a randomized clinical trial for treatment adherence (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03494777). Data were coded and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Findings indicated that clients' most routine habits (eating, bathing, sleeping) did not always occur at the same time or place, making it difficult to reliably link to pill-taking times. Efforts to improve ART habits included having a relative to ask about pill-taking, re-packaging medications, leaving medications in view, using alarms, carrying water, or linking pill-taking to radio/prayer schedules. Reported challenges were adhering to ART schedules during changing employment hours, social activities, and travel. Conclusion: While habit-forming interventions have the potential to improve ART adherence, targeting treatment-mature clients' existing routines may be crucial in this population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number30
JournalAIDS research and therapy
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 8 2020

Keywords

  • ART
  • Adherence
  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • HIV
  • Habit formation
  • Qualitative
  • Uganda

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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