Psychological and biological variables among HIV 100% adherent patients: A path analysis

Abstract

On the basis of a psychological model, the present ex post fact and retrospective study conducted an analysis of relevant variables in 51 HIV-positive, 100% adherent patients from the state of Sonora, Mexico. Respondents answered two self-administered questionnaires: 1) Psychological variables and adherence behaviors, and 2) Stress-related situations. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, the Spearman's rho correlation and a multiple linear regression. Regarding psychological variables, motives had a relevant effect on pre-current competential performance (F _{[1, 49]} = 9.494; p < 0.005), which in turn affected current behavioral competencies, e.g., adherence behaviors (F _{[1, 49]} = 26.724; p < 0.001). In the biological context, CD4+ lymphocites influenced current behavioral competencies, e.g., adherence behaviors (F _{[1, 49]} = 4.411; p < 0.05), also being directly affected by viral load (F _{[1, 49]} = 6.260; p < 0.01). A consistent and efficient practice of adherence behavior is affected by the complex interaction between somewhat specific psychological and biological variables. The findings should be considered while designing and implementing intervention programs aimed at promoting and maintaining competential adherence behavior in HIV-positive patients.