ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AMONG HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS ATTENDING TO A UNIVERSITY INFECTIOUS DISEASES CLINIC IN VENEZUELA

Author(s)

Bastardo YM*1, Castro JS1, Suarez JA1, Torres JR1, Comegna M2, Damas J1 1Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela, 2Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine adherence levels and factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected patients in Venezuela.  METHODS: A sample of 46 HIV-infected HIV patients attending an infectious diseases clinic at the Central University of Venezuela were interviewed by the investigators for 20 to 25 minutes. The interview was guided by a structured questionnaire that included questions on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, medication use, and health behaviors. Adherence was assessed retrospectively based on a 4-day recall as used in Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) follow up questionnaire. All data analyses were performed using SSPS for Windows Version 19.0.  RESULTS: Of 46 participants, 30 (65.2%) were male and 16 (34.8%) were female. The mean age was 43.17 years ( Range 26-73, SD= 9,790). From 46 participants 69.7% reported adherence ≥ 95%. Forgetting to take the medications, alcohol use, and problems with the medications supply were main barriers for adherence in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: A group of patients at this clinic reported unsatisfactory adherence. Forgetfulness was reported to be the major cause of non-adherence. Since adherence to antiretroviral therapy in critical to achieve optimal treatment outcomes, health care providers must identify possible barriers to adherence at the earliest and provide appropriate solutions.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2013-11, ISPOR Europe 2013, The Convention Centre Dublin

Value in Health, Vol. 16, No. 7 (November 2013)

Code

PIN116

Topic

Patient-Centered Research

Topic Subcategory

Adherence, Persistence, & Compliance

Disease

Infectious Disease (non-vaccine)

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