Psychological adjustment, HIV knowledge, and antiretroviral treatment adherence in newly diagnosed HIV patients: a cross-sectional study from an Albanian infectious diseases clinic.
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Abstract
Background: The first year after an HIV diagnosis is a period of intense psychological vulnerability, with elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and adjustment problems documented in multiple settings. However, data from Albania and Western Balkan contexts are scarce.
Objective: To assess psychological adjustment, coping responses, HIV knowledge, and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among adults diagnosed with HIV within the previous 12 months in Tirana, Albania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 patients registered at the ambulatory HIV/AIDS clinic at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Tirana.
Inclusion criteria: patients diagnosed within the last 12 months. Measures included demographic data, an Albanian version of the Mental Adjustment to HIV Scale (MAHIVS), a researcher-developed, interviewer-administered structured HIV knowledge interview, and a short adherence assessment based on self-report and cross-checking against medical records/clinic records.
Results: The mean age was 34 years (SD = 5); 26.7% were female, and 47 males identified as homosexual. HIV transmission knowledge was high (78% answered correctly), while awareness of biomedical issues (PrEP/PEP, viral load, information regarding fertility) was low. Participants reported high ART adherence, supported by medical records. MAHIVS scores indicated high helplessness (M = 21/36) coexisting with strong adaptive coping: Fighting Spirit/Self-Efficacy (M = 14/24), Personal Control (M = 11/16), and Positive Coping (M = 11/20).
Conclusion: Newly diagnosed Albanian patients show a mixed adjustment profile; notable psychological distress combined with moderate to high adaptive responses. Early psychosocial and educational support focused on reducing helplessness and increasing HIV knowledge within routine HIV care may improve adjustment trajectories during the first-year post-diagnosis.
期刊介绍：
AIDS Research and Therapy publishes articles on basic science, translational, clinical, social, epidemiological, behavioral and educational sciences articles focused on the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and the search for the cure. The Journal publishes articles on novel and developing treatment strategies for AIDS as well as on the outcomes of established treatment strategies. Original research articles on animal models that form an essential part of the AIDS treatment research are also considered
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