Abstract
The data discussed represent the findings from a study by the NIH-funded Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center, exploring
the influence of institutional and psychosocial factors on adherence to antiretroviral medications by Mexican-origin persons
living with AIDS on the US-Mexico Border. A qualitative approach was utilized consisting of clinic observations, baseline
and follow-up interviews with patients (N = 113), key informant interviews (N = 9) and focus groups (5) with patients and
health providers. Findings include the social-normative, institutional and geo-political factors affecting treatment and service
delivery as well as individual variation and culturally patterned behaviors. ARV adherence and retention were found to depend
on complex interactions and negotiation of co-occurring factors including the experience of medications and side-effects,
patient/provider relationships, cultural norms and the changing dynamics of international borders. We note effects of drug-related
violence which created border-crossing obstacles influencing mobility, access to services and adherence.
the influence of institutional and psychosocial factors on adherence to antiretroviral medications by Mexican-origin persons
living with AIDS on the US-Mexico Border. A qualitative approach was utilized consisting of clinic observations, baseline
and follow-up interviews with patients (N = 113), key informant interviews (N = 9) and focus groups (5) with patients and
health providers. Findings include the social-normative, institutional and geo-political factors affecting treatment and service
delivery as well as individual variation and culturally patterned behaviors. ARV adherence and retention were found to depend
on complex interactions and negotiation of co-occurring factors including the experience of medications and side-effects,
patient/provider relationships, cultural norms and the changing dynamics of international borders. We note effects of drug-related
violence which created border-crossing obstacles influencing mobility, access to services and adherence.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9681-8
- Authors
- Michele G. Shedlin, College of Nursing, New York University, 726 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Carlos Ulises Decena, Women’s and Gender Studies Department, Rutgers University, 162 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Oscar Beltran, College of Health Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 1851 Wiggins Ave, El Paso, TX, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912