title: Non-adherence to HIV antiretroviral medications: 'The drugs are working and I'm a continuing success story'.
abstract: Non-adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) regimens has been associated with HIV drug resistance. Anecdotal evidence in our client group, people living with HIV/AIDS infection in Central Sydney Area Health Service (CSAHS), suggested that non-adherence was an issue. Eighty three participants completed an anonymous questionnaire; with a 98% response rate. The mean age of respondents was 44 years with 68% over age 40 years. 68% of respondents missed doses of ARV, 54% because they forgot. 54% stated they did not report the non-adherence to their doctor. They were more likely to miss the lunch time dosage (n=49, p<0.05). The results demonstrate that non-adherence with medications is a significant issue and further research into strategies for interventions to aid adherence is required.
authors.affiliation: Central Sydney Area Health Service, Australia.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cummins
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trotter
authors.forename: Kristine H J
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Millar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*