Association between illness perception, treatment adherence, and emotional state in HIV/AIDS

Abstract: Objective This study sought to investigate associations between illness perception, adherence to antiretroviral medication, and levels of anxiety and depression in individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Method One hundred and one patients receiving outpatient care at a university hospital completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results Through statistical analyses, using Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests, a statistically significant positive association (p < 0.001) was found between scores of illness perception and anxiety and depression, suggesting that the greater the perception of threat imposed by the disease, the greater the frequency of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Negative and significant associations were also found between adherence to medical prescriptions and perceived threat of living with HIV/AIDS (p < 0.001) and levels of anxiety (p < 0.043). Conclusion Research on psychological variables in chronically ill individuals is necessary to support assessments and interventions in the field.