Aspects related to health literacy, self-care and compliance with treatment of people living with HIV*

Abstract

Objective: to verify the relationship between health literacy, compliance with antiretroviral therapy and self-care of people living with HIV. Method: this is a cross-sectional study, developed between January and July 2019, using validated scales on health literacy (SAHLPA), compliance (CEAT-HIV) and self-care (EACAC). Results: a total of 303 people enrolled in three HIV outpatient care services participated in the study, with a satisfactory level of literacy (52.5%), excellent level of self-care (62.9%) and strict compliance with antiretroviral therapy (57.1%). The illiterate had insufficient medication compliance, when compared with the literate (PR = 1.17). Strict compliance was significant for self-care (p-value < 0.001). A higher risk ratio for illiteracy was associated with females, people with elementary education, who receive benefits, with an income of up to one minimum wage, not having the habit of seeking health information and longer use of ART. Conclusion: a relationship was identified between literacy and insufficient compliance. The risk for insufficient medication compliance increases as self-care declines. Social measures that reduce inequities can contribute to improving care for people living with HIV.