Strategies to Educate HIV-Positive Patients on Medication Adherence

Strategies to Educate HIV-Positive Patients on Medication Adherence

Among the education strategies for HIV-positive people, one can name stressing the negative consequences of the virus transmission. Informing the patients of the adverse conditions and symptoms their close ones may develop as a result of careless handling of HIV might result in better medication adherence (Bezabhe et al., 2014). It is also vital to stress that non-adherence leads to the return of the symptoms and the development of HIV-related diseases that could lead to death.

Safe practices to Reduce the Risk of Infecting Others

To enhance the degree of protection against infecting others, it is paramount to use latex condoms in order to prevent sexual transmission. Blood donations for HIV-positive people are possible under no circumstances (Arcangelo et al., 2014). Breastfeeding is also recommended if a mother is a carrier of the virus. All-time adherence to the antiretroviral treatment plan is one of the main practices to safeguard a person and those closest to them against transmission. It is also paramount to stick closely to the prescribed regimen as discontinuation threatens to increase one’s risk of developing resistance to the prescribed therapy.

Conclusion

All things considered, HIV and AIDS are conditions that are highly dependent on the patient’s consciousness. The knowledge and use of prevention practices, medication adherence, and non-discontinuation are entirely controllable by the patient. Therefore, the goal of medical personnel is to teach patients of the gravity of the situation, the importance of adherence, and the dangers of complacency.

References

Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V., & Reinhold, J. A. (Eds.). (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins