Implications of HIV treatment advances for behavioral research on AIDS: protease inhibitors and new challenges in HIV secondary prevention

Health Psychol. 1998 Jul;17(4):310-9. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.17.4.310.

Abstract

Protease inhibitor combination therapies can reduce HIV viral load, improve immune system functioning, and decrease mortality from AIDS. These medical developments raise a host of critical new issues for behavioral research on HIV/AIDS. This article reviews developments in HIV combination therapy regimens and behavioral factors involved in these regimens and focuses on four key behavioral research areas: (a) the development of interventions to promote treatment adherence, (b) psychological coping with HIV/AIDS in the context of new treatments for the disease, (c) the possible influence of treatment on continued risk behavior, and (d) behavioral research in HIV prevention and care policy areas. Advances in HIV medical care have created important new opportunities for health psychologists to contribute to the well-being of persons with HIV/AIDS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Long-Term Survivors / psychology*
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Compliance / psychology

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors