Women of Reproductive Age Living with HIV in Argentina: Unique Challenges for Reengagement in Care

• Published in: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care 2019-01, Vol.18, p.2325958219883250-2325958219883250
• Main Authors: Cecchini, Diego, Alcaide, Maria Luisa, Rodriguez, Violeta de Jesus, Mandell, Lissa Nicole, Abbamonte, John Michael, Cassetti, Isabel, Cahn, Pedro, Sued, Omar, Weiss, Stephen Marshall, Jones, Deborah Lynne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cisgender; Health problems; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Latent class analysis; Medical treatment; Medicine; Mental depression; Mental health; Motivation; Original; Pharmacy; Self-efficacy; Women
• ISSN: 2325-9582; 2325-9574; 2325-9582
• DOI: 10.1177/2325958219883250

This study evaluated the reasons for not taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) among women of reproductive age who are disengaged from HIV care (have missed pharmacy pickups and physician visits), with the goal of identifying strategies for reengagement in HIV care. Participants were cisgender women (n = 162), 18 to 49 years of age, and who completed sociodemographic, medical history, reasons why they were not taking ART, mental health, motivation, and self-efficacy assessments. Latent class analysis was used for analysis. Women who reported avoidance-based coping (avoid thinking about HIV) had higher depression (U = 608.5, z = −2.7, P = .007), lower motivation (U = 601, z = −2.8, P = .006), and lower self-efficacy (U = 644.5, z = −2.4, P = .017) than those not using this maladaptive strategy. As women living with HIV experience a disproportionate burden of poor health outcomes, interventions focused on the management of depression may improve HIV outcomes and prevent HIV transmission.