Coping Strategies and Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Peruvian Patients

Introduction: Effective treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus represents one of the sustainable development goals that aims to reduce deaths related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Objective: Determine the relationship between coping strategies and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Peruvian patients. Methods: A correlational prospective study was conducted, with a quantitative approach and a non-experimental and correlational design, in a sample of 50 patients who received antiretroviral treatment for at least two years, and who are part of the registered list at the hospital. Regarding data analysis, the non-parametric Spearman correlation test was used, with 95% of significance level. Results: The regular level predominated among the coping strategies, which were based on the problem (60,0 %), emotion (56,0 %) and avoidance of the problem (62,0 %), whereas a low level was evident in adherence to antiretroviral treatment (42,0 %). Inferential analysis showed a high and significant difference between adherence to treatment and the dimensions of coping strategies. Conclusions: Problem-based, emotion-based, and avoidance-based coping strategies are associated with adherence to treatment in this type of patients who are vulnerable to situations related to the adverse effects and interactions of their medications, as well as to their mental health.