Effect of lipodystrophy on self-esteem and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV

• Published in: AIDS care Vol. 34; no. 8; pp. 1031 - 1040
• Main Authors: Siqueira, Larissa Rodrigues, Cunha, Gilmara Holanda da, Galvão, Marli Teresinha Gimeniz, Fontenele, Marina Soares Monteiro, Fechine, Franscisco Vagnaldo, Medeiros, Melissa Soares, Moreira, Lavna Albuquerque
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 03-08-2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Adherence; AIDS; Antiretroviral agents; Antiretroviral drugs; Antiretroviral therapy; Antiviral agents; Catholics; Comparative studies; Drug therapy; Epidemiology; highly active; HIV; HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome; Human immunodeficiency virus; Income; Lipodystrophy; Low income groups; Minimum wage; Patients; Regression analysis; Religion; Self esteem; self-perception; Sociodemographics; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 0954-0121; 1360-0451
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1936442

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lipodystrophy on self-esteem and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV). A cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out in an infection clinic, with 125 patients with lipodystrophy and 125 without lipodystrophy. Sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected, using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Questionnaire (CEAT-VIH). Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Of the total sample, 57.2% had unsatisfactory self-esteem and 57.6% adequate adherence to ART. Self-esteem was lower in PLHIV with lipodystrophy (66.4%). PLHIV with monthly income less than or equal to two minimum wages (P < 0.001) and those with lipodystrophy had more unsatisfactory self-esteem (P < 0.001). Catholics had better self-esteem (P = 0.012), when compared to those without religion. Patients with monthly income less than or equal to two minimum wages (P = 0.021) and people with unsatisfactory self-esteem had more inadequate adherence to ART (P = 0.001). Catholics had better adherence to antiretrovirals (P = 0.007). In conclusion, lipodystrophy and low income negatively affect the self-esteem of PLHIV. Low income and unsatisfactory self-esteem make adherence to ART difficult. Religion is a protective factor for satisfactory self-esteem and adherence to antiretrovirals.