Project to Enhance Patient-Health Engagement in HIV Infection

The importance of patient involvement in their care is emerging as a crucial element in the active management of chronic conditions, including HIV infection. For people living with HIV (PLWH), a proactive role in managing their health promotes improved quality of life and greater adherence to treatment. However, data on enhancing patient engagement among PLWH are currently lacking.

This project aims to offer, for the first time, training to enhance patient engagement specifically for PLWH, delivered by psychologists at the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The program aims to strengthen emotional, cognitive, and behavioral involvement in the treatment process, promoting greater adherence to treatment, improved management of comorbidities, and increased healthy behaviors. Furthermore, the project aims to adapt the training to the specific needs of PLWH and evaluate its actual impact on quality of life and psychological well-being.

Scientific Rationale Over 38 million people are living with HIV worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million new infections in 2021. In Italy, 1,770 new HIV diagnoses were recorded in 2021, with a higher incidence in men between the ages of 30 and 39. Thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART), AIDS mortality has decreased significantly, and the U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable) principle has confirmed the importance of virological suppression in reducing virus transmission.

Despite the success of ART, one of the current challenges is ensuring a good quality of life for PLWH. HIV management is a chronic process that requires continuity of care, treatment adherence, and a multidisciplinary approach to address emerging comorbidities, including cardiovascular, bone, renal, metabolic, oncological, and neuropsychiatric conditions. In this context, active patient involvement becomes essential to improve adherence to therapy and overall health management.