Exploring the dynamics of ART adherence in the context of a mindfulness instruction intervention among youth living with HIV in Baltimore, Maryland
AIDS Care July 1, 2018 Deanna Kerrigan, Suzanne M. Grieb, Jonathan M. Ellen et al. 31 citations
Youth living with HIV often struggle to take antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently. In a randomized controlled trial of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, interviews with 20 participants aged 13–24 revealed that adherence challenges were tied to managing HIV as a stigmatized chronic condition alongside other social stressors. Those in the MBSR program reported that mindfulness helped them non-judgmentally observe and accept difficult thoughts and feelings about living with HIV and taking ART, which led to greater adherence. The findings suggest mindfulness training may foster self- and illness-acceptance, improving HIV outcomes.