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Psychosocial syndemic conditions have received more attention regarding their deleterious effects on HIV acquisition risk than for their potential impact on HIV treatment and viral suppression. To examine syndemic conditions' impact on the HIV care continuum, we analyzed data collected from people living with HIV (N = 14,261) receiving care through The Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems at seven sites from 2007 to 2017 who provided patient-reported outcomes ∼4-6 months apart. Syndemic condition count (depression, anxiety, substance use, and hazardous drinking), sexual risk group, and time in care were modeled to predict antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression (HIV RNA

The effect of non-injection substance use on HIV viral load (VL) is understudied in international settings. Data are from HPTN063, a longitudinal observational study of HIV-infected individuals in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia, with focus on men with VL data (Brazil = 146; Thailand = 159). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) assessed whether non-injection substance use (stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, polysubstance) was associated with VL undetectability. ART adherence and depressive symptoms were examined as mediators of the association. In Thailand, substance use was not significantly associated with VL undetectability or ART adherence, but alcohol misuse among MSM was associated with increased odds of depression (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.20, 6.32, p = 0.02). In Brazil, alcohol misuse by MSM was associated with decreased odds of undetectable VL (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.13, 0.92, p = 0.03). Polysubstance use by heterosexual men in Brazil was associated with decreased odds of ART adherence (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.08, 0.78, p = 0.02). VL suppression appears attainable among non-injection substance users. Substance use interventions among HIV-positive men should address depression, adherence, and VL undetectability.

In India and other low-and-middle-income countries, little is known about how intersectional stigma affects MSM engagement in ART. Informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, we qualitatively examined how multiple stigmas influence ART engagement among Indian MSM. We conducted 3 focus groups (N = 22) with MSM living with HIV, aged 21–58 years, in Delhi and Hyderabad to identify potential intervention targets and solutions to improve treatment outcomes. Framework analysis and techniques were used to code and analyze translated audio-recordings. Findings revealed enacted stigma, associated with HIV and MSM identity, manifested as familial shame and healthcare discrimination, inhibiting access to support, and decreasing HIV care engagement. Anticipated stigma led to worry about disclosure and societal repercussions. Community-Based-Organizations, ART centers, and family members were primary sources of support, leading to increased ART initiation and retention. Potential solutions included using MSM peer-counselors, increasing social support, and providing HIV education to the general community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients taking adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) after breast cancer face adherence challenges and symptom-related distress. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a telehealth intervention (Symptom-Targeted Randomized Intervention for Distress and Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy [STRIDE]) for patients taking AET.Methods: From October 2019 to June 2021, 100 patients reporting difficulty with AET were randomly assigned to either STRIDE or a medication monitoring (MedMon) control group. STRIDE included six weekly small-group videoconferencing sessions and two individual calls. We defined feasibility as having >50% of eligible patients enroll, >70% complete the 12-week assessment, and > 70% of STRIDE patients complete ≥4/6 sessions. We monitored adherence with the Medication Event Monitoring System Caps (MEMS Caps). At baseline and 12- and 24-weeks after baseline, patients self-reported adherence (Medication Adherence Report Scale), AET satisfaction (Cancer Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire), symptom distress (Breast Cancer Prevention Trial-Symptom Checklist), self-management of symptoms (Self-efficacy for Symptom Management-AET), coping (Measure of Current Status), quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). We used linear mixed effects models to assess the effect of STRIDE on longitudinal outcomes.Results: We enrolled 70.9% (100/141) of eligible patients; 92% completed the 12-week assessment, and 86% completed ≥4/6 STRIDE sessions. Compared with MedMon, STRIDE patients reported less symptom distress (B[difference] = -1.91; 95% CI, -3.29 to -0.52; p = .007) and better self-management of AET symptoms, coping, QOL, and mood. We did not observe significant differences in AET satisfaction or adherence.Conclusions: STRIDE is feasible and acceptable, showing promise for improving outcomes in patients taking AET after breast cancer.Lay Summary: Patients taking adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) after breast cancer may face challenges while following their treatment regimen. In this randomized controlled trial of 100 patients taking AET, a brief, small-group virtual intervention (STRIDE) was well-received by patients and led to improvements in how upset patients were due to symptoms, how confident they were in managing symptoms, and how well they could cope with stress. Thus, STRIDE is a promising intervention and should be tested in future multi-site trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women living with HIV are disproportionally affected by depression and mental healthcare access. A pilot feasibility trial using videoconferencing compared cognitive behavioral therapy for antiretroviral therapy adherence and depression (N = 11) to supportive psychotherapy (N = 11). Participants completed 10–12 weekly therapy sessions and 6-month follow-up. Retention at 6 months was 95 percent. Depression symptoms significantly decreased in both arms; antiretroviral therapy adherence remained high as measured via self-report and Wisepill. Satisfaction with intervention components was high; videoconferencing was highly acceptable and comparable to face-to-face counseling. This study demonstrates the feasibility of telemedicine-administered psychotherapy addressing mental health needs among women living with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Major depressive disorder, highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) globally, including South Africa, is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Globally, there are insufficient numbers of mental health providers and tested depression treatments. This study's aim was to test task‐shared cognitive‐behavioural therapy for adherence and depression (CBT‐AD) in HIV, delivered by clinic nurses in South Africa. Methods: This was a two‐arm randomized controlled effectiveness trial (recruitment: 14 July 2016 to 4 June 2019, last follow 9 June 2020). One‐hundred‐sixty‐one participants with clinical depression and virally uncontrolled HIV were recruited from primary care clinics providing HIV care, in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Arm 1 was task‐shared, nurse‐delivered CBT‐AD; and arm 2 was enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). Primary outcomes (baseline to 4 months) were blinded Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) scores, and weekly adherence via real‐time monitoring (Wisepill). Secondary outcomes were adherence and depression over 4‐, 8‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, proportion of participants with undetectable viremia and continuous CD4 cell counts at 12 months. Additional analyses involved viral load and CD4 over time. Results: At 4 months, the HAMD scores in the CBT‐AD condition improved by an estimated 4.88 points more (CI: –7.86, –1.87, p = 0.0016), and for weekly adherence, 1.61 percentage points more per week (CI: 0.64, 2.58, p = 0.001) than ETAU. Over follow‐ups, CBT‐AD had an estimated 5.63 lower HAMD scores (CI: –7.90, –3.36, p < 0.001) and 23.56 percentage points higher adherence (CI: 10.51, 34.21, p < 0.001) than ETAU. At 12 months, adjusted models indicated that the odds of having an undetectable viremia was 2.51 greater at 12 months (CI: 1.01, 6.66, p = 0.047), and 3.54 greater over all of the follow‐ups (aOR = 3.54, CI: 1.59, 20.50; p = 0.038) for those assigned CBT‐AD. CD4 was not significantly different between groups at 12 months or over time. Conclusions: Task‐shared, nurse‐delivered, CBT‐AD is effective in improving clinical depression, ART adherence and viral load for virally unsuppressed PWH. The strategy of reducing depression to allow patients with self‐care components of medical illness to benefit from adherence interventions is one to extend. Implementation science trials and analyses of cost‐effectiveness are needed to translate findings into clinical practice. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02696824 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02696824 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a robust predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, which is essential to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Women in resource-limited settings face additional barriers to PMTCT adherence. Although structural barriers may be minimized by social support, depression and stigma may impede access to this support.Purpose: To better understand modifiable factors that contribute to PMTCT adherence and inform intervention development.Methods: We tested an ARV adherence model using data from 200 pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT (median age 28), who completed a third-trimester interview. Adherence scores were created using principal components analysis based on four questions assessing 30-day adherence. We used path analysis to assess (i) depression and stigma as predictors of social support and then (ii) the combined associations of depression, stigma, social support, and structural barriers with adherence.Results: Elevated depressive symptoms were directly associated with significantly lower adherence (est = -8.60, 95% confidence interval [-15.02, -2.18], p < .01). Individuals with increased stigma and depression were significantly less likely to utilize social support (p < .01, for both), and higher social support was associated with increased adherence (est = 7.42, 95% confidence interval [2.29, 12.58], p < .01). Structural barriers, defined by income (p = .55) and time spent traveling to clinic (p = .31), did not predict adherence.Conclusions: Depression and social support may play an important role in adherence to PMTCT care. Pregnant women living with HIV with elevated depressive symptoms and high levels of stigma may suffer from low social support. In PMTCT programs, maximizing adherence may require effective identification and treatment of depression and stigma, as well as enhancing social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The mental health burden among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is high and often involves multiple comorbid psychological and substance use-related psychosocial problems. These co-occurring problems, or syndemics, additively impair engagement in HIV disease management. Existing psychotherapies for mental health and HIV health have generally focused on a single psychosocial problem and little research exists to guide future psychotherapies that address multiple mental health issues. Method: To address this gap in understanding, we conducted qualitative interviews with multiply comorbid PLWHA (N = 30) who completed cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression and medication adherence. Results: Themes emerged regarding participants' perspectives on how overlapping substance use and mood disorders interacted to reduce the benefit of CBT. Substance use was a dominant theme compared to other syndemics, highlighting the need for integrated mental health and substance use interventions. Interviews also suggested modifications of which psychosocial concerns participants felt should be prioritized in treatment delivery. Finally, participants described content they would want in a psychotherapy intervention, including intimacy and sexual health. Conclusions: Future psychotherapeutic interventions for syndemic problems and HIV self-care will need to comprehensively address complex concerns, including issues salient to the overall well-being of PLWHA. This may improve client engagement and, ultimately, mental, and physical health outcomes. Clinical or methodological significance of this article: Although mental health comorbidity is common and often complex among clients living with HIV, little research exists to guide psychotherapy for such intricate mental health concerns. The current study used content analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews with clients living with HIV and multiple mental health comorbidities who had recently completed cognitive-behavioural therapy. Recommendations based on these findings suggest strategies for clinicians working with similar clients to consider and offers suggestions for future treatment development research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the United States. Optimal effects from antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be achieved through stringent adherence to a daily medication regimen; for adolescents, this may be interrupted due to complex barriers unique to this age group. We previously conducted formative qualitative interviews with HIV-infected adolescents to identify key barriers facing adolescents regarding ART adherence and potential strategies to address these barriers. These data were used to inform an ART adherence intervention designed to overcome difficulties unique to HIV-infected adolescents (e.g., internalized stigma and HIV-related shame, disclosure to sexual partners, social life, and extracurricular activities at school, etc.). The resulting intervention—"Positive Strategies To Enhance Problem-solving Skills (Positive STEPS)"—combines five individual counseling sessions with daily text message reminders. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of the intervention against a standard of care control and report on the feasibility of procedures and participant acceptability of the intervention in terms of content, structure, and format. ART adherence was measured in both arms through Medication Event Monitoring System pill caps and self-report. Feasibility and acceptability of the Positive STEPS intervention was evidenced by 90% retention for the intervention sessions; 100% completion of the four-month assessment; and positive responses on postintervention evaluation forms (all intervention participants rated Positive STEPS as "acceptable" or "very acceptable") and brief exit interviews. At the 4-month assessment visit, the change in ART adherence among the intervention group [mean change score = 13%, standard deviation (SD) = 29.5] was significantly higher compared with the standard of care group (mean change score = −26%, SD = 26.0; Cohen's d effect size = 1.43, confidence interval = 0.17–2.49, p = 0.02). Future testing of the intervention in a fully powered randomized controlled trial to determine efficacy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is prevalent among people living with HIV in South Africa and interferes with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study evaluated a nurse-delivered, cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adherence and depression among antiretroviral therapy users with depression in South Africa (n = 14). Primary outcomes were depression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, feasibility, and acceptability. Findings support robust improvements in mood through a 3-month follow up. Antiretroviral therapy adherence was maintained during the intervention period. Participant retention supports acceptability; however, modest provider fidelity despite intensive supervision warrants additional attention to feasibility. Future effectiveness research is needed to evaluate this nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adherence and depression in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a pilot trial design in an HIV care clinic in Zimbabwe, we randomised 32 adults with poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and at least mild depression to either six sessions of Problem-Solving Therapy for adherence and depression (PST-AD) delivered by an adherence counsellor, or to Enhanced Usual Care (Control). Acceptability of PST-AD was high, as indicated by frequency of session attendance and through qualitative analyses of exit interviews. Fidelity was >80% for the first two sessions of PST-AD but fidelity to the adherence component of PST-AD dropped by session 4. Contamination occurred, in that seven patients in the control arm received one or two PST-AD sessions before follow-up assessment. Routine health records proved unreliable for measuring HIV viral load at follow-up. Barriers to measuring adherence electronically included device failure and participant perception of being helped by the research device. The study was not powered to detect clinical differences, however, promising change at 6-months follow-up was seen in electronic adherence, viral load suppression (PST-AD arm 9/12 suppressed; control arm 4/8 suppressed) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-4.7 points in PST-AD arm vs. control, adjusted p value = 0.01). Results inform and justify a future randomised controlled trial of task-shifted PST-AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few evidence-based interventions to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy have been adapted for use in Africa. We selected, culturally adapted and tested the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioural intervention for adherence and for delivery in a clinic setting in Harare, Zimbabwe. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated using a mixed-methods assessment, including ratings of provider fidelity of intervention delivery, and qualitative assessments of feasibility using individual semi-structured interviews with counsellors (n=4) and patients (n=15). The intervention was feasible and acceptable when administered to 42 patients and resulted in improved self-reported adherence in a subset of 15 patients who were followed up after 6months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Practical issues, including cost, hinder implementing virologic monitoring of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We evaluated factors that might guide monitoring frequency and efforts to prevent treatment failure after initial virologic suppression. Methods:Participants were the 911 HIV-infected antiretroviral-naïve adults with CD4 count <300 cells/μL who started efavirenz-based ART in the international A5175/PEARLS trial and achieved HIV-1 RNA <1000 copies/mL at 24 weeks. Participant report of ART adherence was evaluated using a structured questionnaire in monthly interviews. Adherence and readily available clinical and laboratory measures were evaluated as predictors of late virologic failure (late VF: confirmed HIV-1 RNA ≥1000 copies/mL after 24 weeks). Results:During median follow-up of 3.5 years, 82/911 participants (9%) experienced late VF. Of 516 participants reporting missed doses during the first 24 weeks of ART, 55 (11%) experienced late VF, compared with 27 (7%) of 395 participants reporting no missed doses (hazard ratio: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.73). This difference persisted in multivariable analysis, in which lower pre-ART hemoglobin and absence of Grade ≥3 laboratory results prior to week 24 were also associated with higher risk of late VF. Discussion:In this clinical trial, the late VF rate after successful suppression was very low. If achievable in routine clinical practice, virologic monitoring involving infrequent (e.g. annual) measurements might be considered; the implications of this for development of resistance need evaluating. Patients reporting missed doses early after ART initiation, despite achieving initial suppression, might require more frequent measurement and/or strategies for promoting adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patients with prior virologic failure (VF) are at an increased risk of subsequent failure, emergence of resistance, and death. This analysis identifies outcomes and correlates of VF in a high-risk population. Methods:A5251 was designed to evaluate an enhanced adherence counseling intervention delivered by nurses from a central call site on virologic suppression. Due to slow enrollment, the study was closed prematurely and revised study endpoints were evaluated (week 24 VF (HIV-1 RNA ≥200 copies/ml) and non-perfect adherence (<100% self-reported using both the ACTG adherence questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS)). Results:Fifty-nine participants were enrolled, 43 (73%) black non-Hispanic and 23 (39%) women. Median prior antiretroviral regimen changes were three and the co-morbidity in this population was higher than typical for HIV clinical trials. At week 24 (n = 41), 24 (59%) failed to reach virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/ml) and 25 (63%) reported non-perfect adherence. Higher depression (CES-D10) and adverse illness perceptions (IPQ-B) were associated with week 24 non-adherence. Early clinical assessments (week 12 HIV-RNA ≥200 copies/mL and non-perfect adherence) as well as higher depression and adverse illness perceptions were associated with week 24 VF. Discussion:In this high-risk population, the proportion of participants with suboptimal adherence and VF was unacceptably high. Interventions to address this treatment gap are clearly needed. Depression and a higher illness perception score, failure to achieve virologic suppression by week 12, and less than perfect adherence could be used to target individuals for early interventions in treatment-experienced, high-risk individuals at high risk for VF. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives This analysis of screening and baseline data from an ongoing trial examined self-report versus automated adherence monitoring and assessed the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms and adherence in 104 poorly adherent individuals. Methods Adherence was measured with the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ) and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS). Symptoms were measured with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Results The mean age of the sample was 46.3 years [standard deviation (SD) = 9.41 years], with 72% (n = 75) women and 71% (n = 74) African American subjects. Adherence improved from screening to baseline, with a mean missed drug proportion measured by TRQ of 61.43% (SD = 26.48%) versus a baseline mean of 46.61% (SD = 30.55%). The mean proportion of missed medication using MEMS at baseline was 66.43% (SD = 30.40%). The correlation between TRQ and MEMS was 0.47. The correlation between a single index drug and all BD medications was 0.95. Symptoms were generally positively correlated with TRQ (worse adherence = more severe symptoms), but in most instances was only at a trend level (p > 0.05), with the exception of the correlations between baseline TRQ and MADRS and BPRS, which were positive ( r = 0.20 and r = 0.21, respectively) and significant (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions In patients with BD, monitoring increased adherence by 15%. MEMS identified 20% more non-adherence than self-report. Using a standard procedure to identify a single index drug for adherence monitoring may be one way to assess global adherence in patients with BD receiving polypharmacy treatment. Greater BD symptom severity may be a clinical indicator to assess for adherence problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV/AIDS in Latin America is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, accurate estimates of engagement in HIV care in this population can be difficult to ascertain because many do not self-identify as MSM. Given evidence of decreased HIV transmissibility in the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, identifying individuals not in care who are engaging in HIV transmission risk behavior is crucial for secondary prevention. Primary aims of this study were to examine engagement in care from testing to ART adherence among MSM using online social/sexual networking across Latin America, and whether individuals not in care at each step reported greater sexual transmission risk behavior than those in care. In the overall sample (n= 28,779), approximately 75% reported ever being tested for HIV, and 9% reported having received an HIV diagnosis. Among known HIV-infected individuals, 20% reported not being in care, 30% reported not taking ART, and 55% reported less than 100% ART adherence. Over one-third of HIV-infected individuals reported sexual HIV transmission risk behavior, defined as unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a male partner of different/unknown HIV serostatus in the past three months. HIV-infected individuals not engaged in care more often reported UAI compared to those in care (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.01–1.66). Although not statistically significant, HIV-infected individuals not on ART more often reported UAI compared to those on ART (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.94–1.47). Individuals who reported less than 100% ART adherence more often reported UAI compared to individuals with 100% adherence (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.26–1.90). Findings demonstrate that a substantial portion of HIV-infected MSM in Latin America who are likely not virologically suppressed from lack of ART use or adherence report sexual HIV transmission risk. Tailoring secondary HIV prevention for MSM in Latin America who are not in HIV care or adherent to ART may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Medicine & International Health is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) has been shown to be effective in preventing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A dose-response relationship between adherence and HIV transmission is illustrated in the current PrEP literature, and adherence interventions for PrEP may be useful, although currently few effective programs have been developed and tested. There is a paucity of randomized controlled trials testing PEP adherence interventions, and further research is needed. We conclude by proposing the importance of tailoring adherence counseling to address psychosocial factors and mental health stressors that may negatively affect adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Innovative techniques, potentially using technology, to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may help patients with HIV who struggle with self-care. This qualitative study compared patient and provider participants' perspectives on ART adherence and text messaging as a tool to promote adherence. Thirteen providers and 14 HIV-infected patients identified four main themes: (1) facilitators, (2) barriers to using text message reminders as a medium for ART medication reminders, (3) framing of text message reminders, and (4) patient responsibility and autonomy in the management of their health and wellness. Ease of use, access, convenience, and confidentiality were cited as benefits of a text message-based adherence intervention; while access, cost, difficulty manipulating cellular phones, lack of knowledge/education, and confidentiality were cited as potential barriers. Providers, but not patients, also identified patient apathy and time burden as potential barriers to a text message-based adherence reminder system. Patients and providers felt that personalization of messages, attention to timing, and confidentiality of messages were key factors for a successful text message-based adherence reminder system. Both providers and patients felt that patient responsibility and autonomy over an individual's own health care is an important issue in adherence to medical care. The majority of patients and providers felt that a text message-based adherence reminder system would be beneficial. While patients and providers had many similar views on factors influencing adherence with ART and the use of text messaging to improve adherence, there were some divergent views between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Depression and substance use, the most common comorbidities with HIV, are both associated with poor treatment adherence. Injection drug users comprise a substantial portion of individuals with HIV in the United States and globally. The present study tested cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in patients with HIV and depression in active substance abuse treatment for injection drug use. Method: This is a 2-arm, randomized controlled trial (N = 89) comparing CBT-AD with enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU). Analyses were conducted for two time-frames: (a) baseline to post-treatment and (b) post-treatment to follow-up at 3 and 6 months after intervention discontinuation. Results: At post-treatment, the CBT-AD condition showed significantly greater improvement than ETAU in MEMS (electronic pill cap) based adherence, Yslope = 0.8873, t(86) = 2.38, p = .02; dGMA-raw = 0.64, and depression, assessed by blinded assessor: Mongomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, F(1, 79) = 6.52, p < .01, d = 0.55; clinical global impression, F(1, 79) = 14.77, p < .001, d = 0.85. After treatment discontinuation, depression gains were maintained, but adherence gains were not. Viral load did not differ across condition; however, the CBT-AD condition had significant improvements in CD4 cell counts over time compared with ETAU, Yslope = 2.09, t(76) = 2.20, p = .03, dGMA-raw = 0.60. Conclusions: In patients managing multiple challenges including HIV, depression, substance dependence, and adherence, CBT-AD is a useful way to integrate treatment of depression with an adherence intervention. Continued adherence counseling is likely needed, however, to maintain or augment adherence gains in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is one of the most common psychological problems among individuals with diabetes, and is associated with worse treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. As part of a program of treatment research aimed at integrating interventions for depression and treatment nonadherence, five depressed patients with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes were treated with 10-12 sessions of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) in a case-series design. The intervention was delivered in a hospital setting by a collaborative team consisting of a psychologist, a nurse educator, and a dietitian. Posttreatment, all participants demonstrated a decrease in depression severity and demonstrated improvements in diabetes self-care. Four of the five demonstrated improved glycemic control. These preliminary results provide evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, and potential utility of CBT-AD for patients with type 2 diabetes and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate cognitive-behavioral therapy to enhance medication adherence and reduce depression (CBT-AD) in individuals with HIV. Design: A two arm, randomized, controlled, cross-over trial comparing CBT-AD to enhanced treatment as usual only (ETAU). ETAU, which both groups received, included a single-session intervention for adherence and a letter to the patient's provider documenting her or his continued depression. The intervention group also received 10 to 12 sessions of CBT-AD. Main Outcome Measures: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy as assessed by Medication Event Monitoring Systems (MEMs) and depression as assessed by blinded structured evaluation. Results: At the acute outcome assessment (3-months), those who received CBT-AD evidenced significantly greater improvements in medication adherence and depression relative to the comparison group. Those who were originally assigned to the comparison group who chose to cross over to CBT-AD showed similar improvements in both depression and adherence outcomes. Treatment gains for those in the intervention group were generally maintained at 6-and 12-month follow-up assessments. By the end of the follow-up period, those originally assigned CBT-AD demonstrated improvements in plasma HIV RNA concentrations, though these differences did not emerge before the cross-over, and hence there were not between-groups differences. Conclusions: CBT-AD is a potentially efficacious approach for individuals with HIV struggling with depression and adherence. Replication and extension in larger efficacy trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]