Treatment perceptions and attitudes of older human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults

In general, the benefits of taking antiretrovirals were clear to most patients, and the same patients did not view access to antiretrovirals as a significant barrier to treatment. Many patients, although aware of the severity of HIV disease, were not seeking modifications to sexual behavior. Furthermore, the actual medication-taking behavior of these patients resulted in significant impacts to their clinical status. Study results can be applied in the development of specific interventions that are intended to decrease HIV transmission among older adults and to improve medication-taking behavior among those who are already infected with HIV.