Main Partner Factors Associated With Worse Adherence to HAART Among Women in Baltimore, Maryland: A Preliminary Study

In the United States, women have worse highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV health outcomes than men. This study examined main partner factors associated with women's adherence to HAART.

In the community sample of participants, 85 percent were African-American; 63 percent had a main partner; and 32 percent relied on their partner for emotional support. The results found adherence was highest (92 percent) among those without a main partner; adherence was lowest (57 percent) among those whose main partner was HIV-positive.

Adjusted analysis showed adherence was 75 percent less likely among women with an HIV-positive main partner and 78 percent less likely among those who relied on their partner for emotional support. "Furthermore, HIV seropositive versus other serostatus main partners were most likely to provide medication taking assistance and to be preferred in helping participants deal with HIV, yet were no more likely to be nominated as the most helpful to them," the authors wrote.

"Findings reveal women's perceived unmet support needs from HIV seropositive main partners in this population and the need for interventions to promote their HAART adherence," the researchers concluded. "Seroconcordant couples-focused intervention that enhances mutual support of HAART adherence may be an effective approach to improving women's HAART adherence and reducing US gender disparities in HIV health outcomes."

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