Conceptual Framework for Investigating and Influencing Adherence Behavior among HIV-Positive Populations: An Applied Social Cognition Model

Abstract

Non-adherence remains a significant barrier to achieving successful treatment outcomes. This review aimed to holistically examine the concept of in the light of current research evidence and to provide a basic and adaptable conceptual framework for investigating and influencing among various populations. We reviewed published journal articles and gray literature within the period from 2000 to 2017. A comprehensive search from major online databases and repositories such as PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted using focused search terms that included cognition or theories and models of health or change in health psychology or theory-based interventions or behavioral frameworks and adherence behavior or medication adherence, and HIV or HIV/AIDS. Only papers published in English were included in this study. We found varied and extensive literature evidence supporting the use of psychobehavioral models to promote conceptual understanding of among HIV-positive patients globally. We observed that certain approaches at investigating nonadherence worked better among certain populations and epidemics than others, largely because of contextual differences in barriers and burden of non-adherence among these populations. We synthesized the evidence and applied social cognition models in explaining and providing a basic, evidence-based and adaptable conceptual framework for investigating and influencing among HIV-positive populations around the world, regardless of geographical and epidemiological context.