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01-12-2009 | Research

HIV or HIV-Therapy? Causal attributions of symptoms and their impact on treatment decisions among women and men with HIV

Authors: H Kremer, U Sonnenberg-Schwan, G Arendt, NH Brockmeyer, A Potthoff, A Ulmer, K Graefe, T Lorenzen, W Starke, UA Walker, the German Competence Network HIV/AIDS

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

Objectives

Among people with HIV, we examined symptom attribution to HIV or HIV-therapy, awareness of potential side effects and discontinuation of treatment, as well as sex/gender differences.

Methods

HIV-patients (N = 168, 46% female) completed a comprehensive symptom checklist (attributing each endorsed symptom to HIV, HIV-therapy, or other causes), reported reasons for treatment discontinuations and potential ART-related laboratory abnormalities.

Results

Main symptom areas were fatigue/sleep/energy, depression/mood, lipodystrophy, and gastrointestinal, dermatological, and neurological problems.

Top HIV-attributed symptoms were lack of stamina/energy in both genders, night sweats, depression, mood swings in women; and fatigue, lethargy, difficulties concentrating in men. Women attributed symptoms less frequently to HIV than men, particularly fa-tigue(p < .01).

Top treatment-attributed symptoms were lipodystrophy and gastrointestinal problems in both genders. Symptom attribution to HIV-therapy did not differ between genders.

Over the past six months, 22% switched/interrupted ART due to side effects. In women, side effect-related treatment decisions were more complex, involving more side effects and substances. Remarkably, women took predominantly protease inhibitor-sparing regimens (p = .05).

Both genders reported only 15% of potential ART-related laboratory abnormalities but more than 50% had laboratory abnormalities. Notably, women had fewer elevated renal parameters (p < .01).

Conclusions

Men may attribute symptoms more often to HIV and maintain a treatment-regimen despite side effects, whereas women may be more prudent in avoiding treatment side effects. Lacking awareness of laboratory abnormalities in both genders potentially indicates gaps in physician-patient communication. Gender differences in causal attributions of symptoms/side effects may influence treatment decisions.

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Title: HIV or HIV-Therapy? Causal attributions of symptoms and their impact on treatment decisions among women and men with HIV
Authors: H Kremer
U Sonnenberg-Schwan
G Arendt
NH Brockmeyer
A Potthoff
A Ulmer
K Graefe
T Lorenzen
W Starke
UA Walker
the German Competence Network HIV/AIDS
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: European Journal of Medical Research / Issue 4/2009
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-783X-14-4-139

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

HIV or HIV-Therapy? Causal attributions of symptoms and their impact on treatment decisions among women and men with HIV

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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