THURS-059 - The Role of Life Chaos on Treatment Adherence and Viral Suppression Among Adults with HIV

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how life chaos impacts viral suppression and treatment adherence among adults living with HIV. This study investigates the association between family dynamics—such as marital status, caregiver roles, household composition, and indicators of life chaos—and clinical outcomes like viral load and CD4 count. Through a mixed-methods approach using patient-reported outcomes and semi-structured interviews, we explore both the risks and protective factors that influence treatment engagement. The findings aim to develop a validated tool to assess family-related life chaos, offering insights for improving retention in HIV care and advancing our understanding of treatment challenges.

Detailed abstract description: Learn how life chaos, a largely understudied factor, critically impacts viral suppression and treatment adherence in adults living with HIV (PWH). This presentation offers unique insights into the intersection of family dynamics, social instability, and HIV care. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of how disruptions in family structure—such as marital status, caregiver responsibilities, and household composition—directly influence clinical outcomes, including viral load and CD4 count. By examining both the individual and family-level challenges faced by PWH in Washington, D.C., where viral suppression rates lag behind national averages, this study uncovers key obstacles to consistent treatment adherence.
You will discover findings from a mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative data from the DC Cohort’s patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with PWH. This dual approach enables a comprehensive look at the correlations between family-related life stressors, such as unanticipated changes in family dynamics, and their effects on the HIV care continuum. Attendees will recognize the importance of life chaos as a significant contributor to treatment gaps and viral non-suppression, particularly in vulnerable populations facing economic and social stressors.
We explore how family-related risk and protective factors affect engagement in HIV care, from consistent appointment attendance to successful viral suppression. The study highlights the Family Stress Model, illustrating how family instability contributes to the emotional and psychological stress that undermines treatment adherence. This presentation will provide attendees with actionable strategies to better assess and address life chaos in their own clinical or community-based work with HIV-positive individuals.
Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to assess family-related life chaos in clinical settings and community interventions. We will discuss the development of a new measurement tool designed to evaluate the impact of family stress on treatment adherence, which can be applied in future longitudinal studies and HIV care programs. This tool, once validated, will offer healthcare providers a more nuanced understanding of how to engage PWH more effectively in care, especially those facing chronic family and life instability. By recognizing the pivotal role of family dynamics in HIV treatment, this research paves the way for more targeted interventions that can reduce the number of individuals falling out of care and improve overall health outcomes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore groundbreaking research that delves into previously unexplored family-level factors influencing HIV care outcomes. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or public health advocate working with HIV-positive individuals, this presentation offers crucial insights into enhancing treatment adherence in highly impacted communities.