Exploring the dynamics of ART adherence in the context of a mindfulness instruction intervention among youth living with HIV in Baltimore, Maryland
Deanna Kerrigan, Suzanne M. Grieb, Jonathan M. Ellen, Erica Sibinga
AIDS Care July 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1492699 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Youth living with HIV aged 13-24 recruited from clinics in Baltimore, Maryland |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychosocial Psychological intervention Context archaeology Thematic analysis Clinical psychology Feeling Intervention counseling Qualitative research Social support Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 31 |
| Key findings | Participation in MBSR and group support allowed youth to non-judgmentally observe and accept difficult thoughts and feelings about HIV and ART, facilitating greater reported adherence. |
Abstract
Youth living with HIV have sub-optimal rates of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Mindfulness instruction interventions have shown promise for improving medication adherence, but the effects and mechanisms of these interventions are still being explored among people living with HIV, including youth. In the context of a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on ART adherence and viral suppression among youth living with HIV, we conducted 44 iterative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 study participants (13-24 years) recruited from clinics at two academic centers in Baltimore, Maryland. Interviews explored the social context and psychosocial dynamics of ART adherence in the context of the MBSR intervention, compared with those in a control arm. We employed thematic content analysis to systematically code and synthesize textual interview data. Participants' challenges with ART adherence were often situated within an ongoing process of working to manage HIV as a stigmatized, chronic condition in addition to other intersecting social stigmas, inequalities, and stressors. Participation in the MBSR program and related group support allowed participants to non-judgmentally observe and accept difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with living with HIV and taking ART, which facilitated greater reported adherence. Mindfulness training may stimulate new perspectives and understanding, including greater self- and illness-acceptance among youth living with HIV, leading to improved HIV outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Longitudinal analysis of the role of mindfulness on HIV stigma, depression, substance use and HIV outcomes among female sex workers living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. AIDS Care 2025
- Impact of Mindfulness and Coping Strategies on the Career Orientation among the University Students of Lahore, Pakistan Governance and Society Review June 29, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics February 1, 2026
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Youth and Students Using Mindfulness to Promote Mental Health in Schools December 2, 2025
- Adapting an evidence-based mindfulness-based intervention for sheltered youth experiencing homelessness. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies October 17, 2023
and 3 more in the library
Cites 6
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT Pediatrics December 19, 2015
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Urban Youth The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine February 25, 2011
- Mindfulness instruction for HIV-infected youth: a randomized controlled trial AIDS Care October 25, 2017
and 1 more in the library