Predicting acceptance of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART): The role of patients' perceptions of illness and treatment

This was a prospective study investigating predictors of uptake of HAART. Eighty-eight people completed questionnaires assessing illness perceptions, beliefs about medicines and negative mood following a clinically indicated recommendation of HAART. Those who accepted HAART (n=64) perceived greater personal necessity for HAART for maintaining current and future health, while those who declined (n=24) reported stronger concerns about potential adverse effects. Those with a lower CD4 count and longer time since diagnosis were more likely to decline HAART. All four variables were independently associated with uptake. Perceptions of illness and treatment were related in a logically consistent way. These findings have implications for the design of decision support interventions.