Contextualizing & Responding to HIV Risk Behaviors

"This is a 3-session ART medication adherence and risk reduction intervention. Participants are educated about the importance of staying healthy and taking their medication as prescribed; to discuss importance of improved immune functioning and what their viral load means; reminded that they can still infect others with HIV, and that there currently is no cure for HIV; expected to generate strategies to overcome adherence barriers; educated about sexually transmitted infections (STI)/HIV transmission modes; assisted in devising an appropriate medication adherence and risk reduction plan. Participants will report their progress and discuss challenges experienced when implementing their medication adherence and risk reduction plans while establishing short- and long-term goals."

This one-session medication adherence intervention covers the following content: 1) a discussion on what viral load represents and what HIV does to the body; 2) referral to a provider for participants without a provider; 3) the importance of maintaining regular contact with a health care provider; and 4) benefits of being retained in care.