Indicators of adherence to antiretroviral therapy treatment among HIV/AIDS patients in 5 African countries

J Int Assoc Physicians AIDS Care (Chic). 2010 Mar-Apr;9(2):98-103. doi: 10.1177/1545109710361383. Epub 2010 Mar 5.

Abstract

As the HIV epidemic threatens the social fabric of countries struggling with HIV prevalence rates as high as 10% to 30%, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) alone is only the beginning of the clinical challenge. There is a need to identify adherence indicators that will ensure long-term treatment success. A cross-sectional review of 921 adult patients on ART for at least 1 year was conducted. Through an administered adherence survey, key indicators were found to be highly correlated with patient adherence. The adherence rate in this sample was 72% after being on treatment for an average of 15 months. This data suggest that having a high perceived quality of care and owning one's own home positively affected patients' adherence. Indicators such as alcohol use in the last month and a high level of depression negatively affected patients' adherence. Targeting specific indicators for specific interventions will guard against nonadherence, leading to treatment failure.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / complications
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence* / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Poverty
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Quality of Life
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents