CTN 198: Supportive therapy for adherence with antiretroviral treatment

About the Study

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a psycho-educational intervention can help people living with HIV handle the challenges of treatment adherence. The study examined the impact of a particular psycho-educational intervention, titled Supportive Therapy for Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment (STAART), on readiness for treatment, treatment knowledge, coping with side effects, treatment adherence and quality of life. Participants in this study needed an HIV viral load greater than 500 copies/ml, and started a new highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) regimen or changing to a new antiretroviral treatment regimen. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of two study groups:

1. Group 1: Participants engaged in weekly psycho-educational sessions with an HIV therapist for four weeks prior to starting their treatment regimens. The sessions covered topics such as becoming active in treatment care, improving coping abilities and developing skills for treatment adherence. They also completed questionnaires and readings.
2. Group 2 (the control group): Participants in this group received their regular treatment regimens.

All participants filled out questionnaires at study entry and four weeks after study entry. The questionnaires included questions about participants’ mood, health beliefs, stress level and feelings about HIV medications. If a participant began a treatment regimen, they were asked to complete more questionnaires on the day the medications are started and at follow-up visits four weeks, six months and one year after the medication start date. These questionnaires included questions about starting treatment and treatment adherence.

Study Approach

Supportive Therapy for Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment (STAART) is a psychological intervention involving sessions with a therapist, readings and questionnaires. It aims to help HIV-positive people adhere to their antiretroviral treatment regimens. The STAART intervention was offered to participants shortly before they began a treatment regimen in order to enhance their psychological readiness for treatment adherence. A high level of adherence to antiretroviral treatment regimens is necessary in order to maximize the success of the treatment, to limit the development of resistance to particular drugs and to reduce the risk of the treatment failing.