Construção e validação de uma escala preditiva de adesão à terapêutica anti-retroviral

Abstract

Progress in HIV research has been remarkable. However, at the moment, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the only way to control the infection. In order to succeed, excellent adherence to treatment is required. Guidelines recommend to assess patient’s readiness to adhere to HIV medication prior to starting ART, but they do not state how to do it. This study aimed to develop and validate, theoretically, a scale to assess readiness to adhere, based on factors that influence adherence. One hundred and three infected individuals, eligible to start or restart ART, completed the proposed scale. The 26 item EPATAR (Escala de Preparação para Aderir à TAR) psychometric properties demonstrated sensitivity, suitable internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha>0,73) and adequate construct validity, with the selected items (factor loadings ranging from 0,42 to 0,70) gathered in three dimensions: “healthcare perception”, psycho-social aspects”, “coping and condition acceptance”. The EPATAR is a quick and easy to administrate tool, useful in anticipating risk situations.

Date of Award	26 Jan 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Emília Valadas (Supervisor)