Relationships between perception of engagement with health care provider and demographic characteristics, health status, and adherence to therapeuticregimen in persons with HIV/AIDS

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to examine the rel ationships between perception of engagement with health care provider and d emographic characteristics, health status, and adherence to therapeutic reg imen in persons with HIV/AIDS. The convenience sample of 707 non-hospitaliz ed persons receiving health care for HIV/AIDS was recruited from seven U.S. sites. All measures were self-report. Perception of engagement with health care provider was measured by the newly developed Engagement with Health C are Provider scale. Adherence to therapeutic regimen included adherence to medications, provider advice, and appointments. Health status was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36), Living with HIV sc ale, CD4 count, and length of time known to be HIV-positive. There were no significant relationships between engagement with health care provider and age, gender, ethnicity, and type of health care provider. Subscales of the MOS SF-36 and Living with HIV explained a significant, but modest amount of the variance in engagement. Clients who were more engaged with their healt h care provider reported greater adherence to medication regimen and provid er advice. Clients who missed at least one appointment in the last month or who reported current or past injection drug use were significantly less en gaged.