Assessing the Relationship Between HIV Quality of Care and Treatment Literacy on ART Adherence and Viral Suppression Among Female Sex Workers Living in the Dominican Republic

Tahilin Sanchez Karver, Yeycy Donastorg, Martha Perez, Hoisex Gomez, Noya Galai, Clare Barrington, David Celentano, Deanna Kerrigan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study assessed the relationship between the quality of HIV care and treatment literacy on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression among female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV (n = 211) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Multivariable logistic regression results indicate better patient-provider communication (AOR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07) and respectful treatment (AOR 2.17; 95% CI 1.09–4.32) increase the odds of viral suppression, while higher costs reduce both the odds of ART adherence (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34- 0.95) and being virally suppressed (AOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41–0.85). Greater treatment literacy was associated with an increased odds of ART adherence (AOR 4.15 for understanding of viral load; 95% CI 1.50–11.52) and viral suppression (AOR 2.75 for understanding of CD4 count; 95% CI 1.31–5.80). Findings support investments in treatment education, effective and respectful patient-provider communication, dignified care, and cost-support for associated HIV care costs to facilitate FSWs’ pathway towards viral suppression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3056-3067
Number of pages12
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume26
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Keywords

  • HIV care continuum
  • Quality of care
  • Sex work
  • Treatment literacy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Social Psychology

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