Directly observed versus self-administered antiretroviral therapies: preference of HIV-positive jailed inmates in San Francisco

J Urban Health. 2012 Oct;89(5):794-801. doi: 10.1007/s11524-012-9682-x.

Abstract

Directly observed therapy (DOT) of antiretroviral (ARV) medications has beneficial effects on HIV treatment for incarcerated inmates but has been associated with limited continuation after release and inadvertent disclosure of HIV status. Guided self-administered therapy (g-SAT) may be a preferred method of ARV delivery and may encourage medication-taking behavior. We surveyed the preference of 102 HIV-positive jailed inmates at the San Francisco City and County Jails regarding receiving ARVs via DOT versus g-SAT while incarcerated. Participants overwhelmingly preferred g-SAT over DOT.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Confidentiality / standards
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Directly Observed Therapy / psychology*
  • Directly Observed Therapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / psychology
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Preference / psychology
  • Patient Preference / statistics & numerical data
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • San Francisco
  • Self Administration / psychology*
  • Self Administration / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Stigma
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents