November 2021

Congratulations to our research team for their recent publication in the BMJ Global Health reporting a grounded theory study about antiretroviral therapy adherence in Peru.

November 1, 2021 (Lima, Peru). The research team led by Dr. Juan Leyva-Moral, Dr. Patrick Palmieri, and Dr. Blanca Loayza-Enriquez  published their study, ‘Staying alive’ with antiretroviral therapy: A grounded theory study of people living with HIV in Peru, in the BMJ Global Health (Impact Factor = 5.558). The core category ‘staying alive’ emerged through the interaction of four categories, including: (1) overcoming barriers; (2) working with the healthcare team; (3) tailoring self-care strategies; and (4) appreciating antiretrovirals. Adherence was not a spontaneous outcome, instead, the surprise of HIV diagnosis transitions to living with HIV as a chronic disease. The healthcare team helps people living with HIV (PLHIV) realize antiretroviral therapy (ART) is their life source by enhancing, supporting and facilitating self-care and overcoming barriers. Conclusion Adherence emerges from experiential learning as PLHIV recognized ART as their life source in balance with their desire to continue living a normal life. Social support and healthcare team interventions help PLHIV implement tailored self-care strategies to overcome personal, social, and structural barriers to adherence. Healthcare professionals need to recognize the challenges confronted by PLHIV as they learn how to continue living while trying to stay alive.

Authors: Juan M. Leyva-Moral, Patrick A. Palmieri, Blanca K. Loayza-Enriquez, Kara L. Vander Linden, Ursula E. Elias-Bravo, Genesis M. Guevara-Vasquez, Lucy Y. Davila-Olano, and Mariela P. Aguayo-Gonzalez.