Improving HIV self-management knowledge with the use of visual image interventions

People living with HIV (PLWH) and adequate health literacy understand pertinent knowledge needed for self-management, including the importance of CD4 counts, viral loads, drug resistance, and need to adhere to a strict antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen. The purpose of this project was to improve HIV-related knowledge and intent for self-management for PLWH and limited health literacy. Visual educational interventions have been shown to enhance self management knowledge. This project was piloted at a local HIV support group. A visual educational intervention that discussed the pertinent aspects of HIV was implemented for all participants. The visual educational intervention consisted of a brief video followed by the distribution of a pocket-sized handout and further discussion to enhance the knowledge learned from the video. The handout was given to take home to help serve as a reminder for the need to continue the use of a strict ART regimen. A pre and post design was used to measure health literacy and self-management intent before implementing the visual educational intervention and after the implementation phase was completed. After the intervention, participants with limited health literacy achieved moderate health literacy. Majority of participants scored with high self management intention prior to the intervention. No change was seen after the intervention was implemented. A negative correlation was found between age and HIV-related health literacy. The findings of this project support the use of the visual interventions to enhance self-management discussion for PLWH.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference