Medication management abilities are reduced in older persons living with HIV compared with healthy older HIV- controls

This study examined predictors of, and relationships between, objective (Medication Management Test-Revised (MMT-R)) and self-reported medication management ability in older ( ≥ 50 years) PLWH (n = 146) compared with HIV-uninfected (HIV-) individuals (n = 60). PLWH scored worse on the MMT-R and had a higher pill burden compared with HIV- individuals. MMT-R failure was predicted by HIV status, race, reading level, and worse executive functioning, as well as history of Hepatitis C and detectable viral load in PLWH. Self-reported ability to manag e medications did not relate to MMT-R score. Older PLWH may not self-describe concerns regarding their ability to manage complex medication regimens. Our results emphasize the need for objective measurements of medication management ability.
Source: Journal of NeuroVirology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research