In:
Antiviral Therapy, SAGE Publications, Vol. 13, No. 5 ( 2008-07), p. 697-703
Abstract:
The long-term maintenance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important issue, especially in limited-resource settings where additional barriers exist. A cross-sectional study was performed 24 months after ART initiation for patients treated in Cambodia in order to estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of non-adherence. Methods Adults receiving ART for 24 ±2 months were considered eligible for the study. Self-reported non-adherence was defined according to an algorithm based on six items. The questionnaire also assessed ART-related side effects and HIV disclosure. HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load was measured using real-time PCR. Multivariate rare events logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with non-adherence. Results A total of 346 patients participated in the study. At 24 months, 95% of patients were adherent, 80% had HIV RNA 〈 40 copies/ml and 75% had CD4 + T-cell counts 〉 200 cells/mm 3 . Virological success was significantly higher in adherent patients than in non-adherent patients (81% versus 56%, P=0.021). Living in a rural area, limited HIV disclosure and perceived lipodystrophy were independently associated with non-adherence. Conclusions At 24 months, adherence to ART was high and explained positive virological outcomes. In order to maintain adherence and long-term virological benefits, special attention should be given to patients living in rural areas, those with lipodystrophy-related symptoms and others who express difficulties disclosing their condition to close family members.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1359-6535
,
2040-2058
DOI:
10.1177/135965350801300509
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2118396-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1339842-8
SSG:
15,3
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