Marguerite Keesee

The Relationship Between Strain, Hiv / Aids Risk- Behavior and Adherence: an Empirical Test of General Strain Theory Marguerite Keesee

The purpose of this study is to determine the social and social psychological factors that are related to adherence to HIV medical regimens and involvement in high-risk behaviors. The ability of Agnew¿s general strain theory (GST) to explain non-adherence and risky behaviors was specifically tested. Adherence is crucial to maintain low viral loads and prevent the development of a drug resistant virus. Involvement in high-risk behavior further complicates successful adherence to medical regimes and the overall treatment of HIV/AIDS. Specifically tested in this study was the applicability of Agnew¿s (1992) GST in explaining both medical and behavioral non-adherence to treatment regimens in a Hispanic population residing along the U. S.-Mexico International Border. While not providing support for GST overall, findings do suggest that key components of general strain theory as well as other criminological theories including social and self-control and differential association may prove useful in furthering our understanding of medical adherence and involvement in high-risk behaviors.