Associations between patient activation and outcomes in HIV-infected patients

Patient activation reflects the knowledge, skills, beliefs, and behaviors individuals need to manage chronic illness, yet it has not been extensively studied among people living with HIV. This study examined factors associated with patient activation in an HIV‑positive population, including demographic characteristics, perceived social status, substance use, and depression. We also evaluated associations between patient activation and key clinical outcomes: CD4 cell count, adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and viral suppression. Findings contribute to understanding how patient activation influences HIV care engagement and clinical management.