The Effect of Education Based on Health Promotion Model (HPM) on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in HIV- Infected Patients

[Background]For efficient HIV treatment, it is necessary to follow a precise therapeutic plan. Thus, the present study aimed at using the health promotion model (HPM), which is in adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), as a theoretical framework to design an educational plan for HIV- infected patients.[Methods]This controlled trial study was performed on 61 HIV positive patients under antiretroviral therapy. Face to face training was provided to 31 patients of the intervention group in 2 educational sessions with a 2-week interval, and 30 patients in the control group received standard clinic treatment in the center during the study period. Data collection tool in this study consisted of 3 sections: (1) individual characteristics, (2) constructs related to behavior-specific cognitions and affects, and (3) adherence to therapy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software Version 18.0.[Results]In this study, the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups in all constructs after the intervention. All constructs increased (P < 0.001), but perceived barrier in adherence to ART decreased (P < 0.001). After the intervention, 96.8% of the patients in the intervention group had more than 95% adherence to treatment, and 56.7% of the patients in the control group had more than 95% adherence.[Conclusions]This study revealed that education based on HPM is effective for promoting beliefs and adherence to ART therapy.