Coping Self-Efficacy as a Predictor of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Men and Women Living with HIV in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the coping self-efficacy (CSE) scale and adherence to HIV medication in men and women enrolled in a large HIV treatment program in Kenya. Data were collected from a sample of 354 volunteers attending Nazareth Hospital's nine satellite clinics located in parts of Nairobi, and the central province of Kenya. A social demographic survey, Adult Clinical Trials Group adherence questionnaire, and CSE scale were used to obtain information. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed to analyze data and to test study hypotheses. Females were less likely to be nonadherent than males: the odds of adherence for females were 3.7 of the odds of adherence for males. Controlling for gender, CSE was significant. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy can be partially explained by CSE. Efforts aimed at building self-efficacy are likely to improve and maintain adherence to HIV and other medication. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.