OBJECTIVES

Despite several advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the last decades, non-adherence (NA) continues to be a major challenge in the real-life treatment of HIV patients. To meet this challenge, adherence interventions with a tailored approach towards patient-specific adherence barriers that are identified with a reliable and practicable questionnaire are needed. The aim of this investigation was to develop a respective questionnaire (Adherence Barriers Questionnaire HIV: ABQ-HIV), based on an earlier version of the ABQ.

METHODS

The existing ABQ was discussed in an expert panel and revised according to specification of ART in HIV patients. Initially, the ABQ-HIV consisted of 17 items formulated as statements (4-point-Likert-scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”). A higher score indicates a higher influence of a certain barrier on patient’s perceptions. The ABQ-HIV was applied in a cross-sectional survey of German HIV patients. Evaluation of the questionnaire included an assessment of internal consistency as well as factor analysis. Criterion-related external validity was assessed by comparing the ABQ-HIV score with the degree of self-reported adherence measured by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

RESULTS