Predictors of antiretroviral adherence.
This study was conducted in order to help determine the key factors that predict adherence to antiretroviral medications. A total of 115 HIV/AIDS patients who were having trouble adhering to their antiretroviral regimens completed face-to-face interviews in which adherence levels, medication side effects, mental health, social support, patient-provider relationship characteristics, substance use and health anxiety were assessed. Three measures of adherence were used: adherence over the past three days, adherence over the past week, and adherence over the past month. Logistic regression analyses indicated strongest prediction of three-day adherence, with mental health, social support, patient-provider relationship characteristics and side effects contributing to prediction. Past week adherence was associated with age and social support measures, and showed a marginal association with side effects. Past month adherence was less strongly predicted, with social support and alcohol use contributing to prediction. Thus, a variety of factors were found to determine adherence, and implications of the findings for adherence models and interventions are discussed.
Murphy
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Health Risk Reduction Projects, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles 90025-3556, USA. dmurphy@mednet.ucla.edu
Marelich
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Hoffman
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Steers
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology