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Improving the self-report of HIV antiretroviral medication adherence: Is the glass half full or half empty?

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Abstract

Self-reports are the most widely used method for measuring antiretroviral adherence. The association between self-reports and viral loads has been repeatedly demonstrated, but this association does not address how well self-reports measure actual medication-taking behaviors. Understanding adherence self-reports requires studying the science of memory and the reporting of behaviors. In the first section of this review, we discuss research in cognitive psychology that pertains to adherence self-reports, focusing primarily on studies that examine cognitive processes respondents use to answer survey questions. In the second section, we review recent articles examining the relationship between self-reports and objective measures of adherence, highlighting the strength of associations and key methodologic issues. We conclude with key questions for future research and methodologic recommendations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, #345, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Ira B. Wilson

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  1. Ira B. Wilson
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  2. Amanda E. Carter
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  3. Karina M. Berg
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Correspondence to Ira B. Wilson.

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Wilson, I.B., Carter, A.E. & Berg, K.M. Improving the self-report of HIV antiretroviral medication adherence: Is the glass half full or half empty?. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 6, 177–186 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-009-0024-x

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