Illness perceptions, social support and antiretroviral medication adherence in people living with HIV in the greater Accra region, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Aim To assess how illness perceptions and social support influence antiretroviral medication adherence in a HIV patient population in Ghana. Design This study used a correlational research design with cross‐sectional data. Method A total of 235 people living with HIV at two general hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana provided data on illness perceptions, social support and medication adherence. Hierarchical multiple regression test was used to analyse the data. Results Illness perceptions' facets of timeline, personal control and treatment control were negatively associated with medication adherence, whereas emotional response was positively associated with adherence. Further, significant other support was negatively associated with adherence. Family and friend support were not associated with adherence. The findings offer preliminary evidence that illness perceptions may have utility for medication adherence in a HIV patient population in Ghana.

Keywords

• antiretroviral therapy
• HIV
• illness perceptions
• medication adherence