Prior to the development of new medications, the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic have taken many lives. Despite the introduction of protocols that can prolong and stabilize their lives, many patients do not conform to treatment requirements due to a lack of health literacy. This three-article dissertation examined relevant literature in Article I. The dissertation also reports on a qualitative study in Article II where he patients enrolled in the EXPONENTS organization's special intervention program for intravenous drug users and ex-offenders (called ARRIVE) were observed and interviewed. The study focused on health education and training programs that provided participants with skills and tools to better understand the importance of treatment adherence. Determining whether or not health education and training programs improved the individual's motivation to adhere to taking medications on a regular basis was the goal of the study, which recruited 20 participants. These individuals participated in a voluntary openended semi-structured interview and were observed in a classroom setting. The findings from the study indicated that education and training programs, along with helpful coping skills, positively impacted a participant's daily life. The findings also indicated that grade level instructional methods are necessary to increase adult health education comprehension (Speros, 2009). Article III presents a Health Literacy Guide, informed by the literature and the study's findings. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]