Differences in adherence and motivation to HIV therapy--two independent assessments in 1998 and 2002.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the level of adherence and motivation in two independent cross-sectional samples of HIV-infected patients conducted in 1998 and 2002, and to investigate the relationship between adherence and motivation.


METHODS
Consecutive HIV-infected patients on treatment at a Swedish clinic were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. In 1998, 60 patients participated and in 2002, 53 participated. In 2002, the 9-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) was added to the questionnaire set.


METHODS
Self-reported adherence and motivation.


RESULTS
In 1998, 28.1% of the respondents were considered adherent, while the corresponding proportion was 57.4% in 2002 (P = 0.002). The mean summary score for MMAS was 10.7 in 2002 (13 = perfect adherence). The proportion considered motivated were 22.4% in the 1998 survey and 41.3% in 2002 (P = 0.038). Of the respondents considered motivated in the 2002 survey, 46.7% scored the maximum summary score on the MMAS, while 8.7% of the non-motivated respondents did so (P = 0.016).


CONCLUSIONS
The respondents in 2002 were more adherent and motivated than the respondents in 1998 and a relationship between motivation and adherence was found. The difference in adherence and motivation might be due to a new treatment model at the clinic.
Södergård
Björn
B
Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Box 580, Uppsala 751 23, Sweden. bjorn.sodergard@farmaci.uu.se
Halvarsson
Margit
M
Lindbäck
Stefan
S
Sönnerborg
Anders
A
Tully
Mary P
MP
Lindblad
Asa Kettis
AK
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents