Adherence to treatment in Swedish HIV-infected patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives were to assess the prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Swedish human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and to evaluate factors associated with adherence.


METHODS
All HIV-treated patients, who attended one of 30 (of a total of 32) Swedish infectious diseases clinics, during 7 months, were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire containing the 9-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and questions about other factors potentially affecting adherence. The summary score of MMAS ranges from 1 to 13, where 13 indicates perfect adherence; patients scoring 11 or above (corresponding to 95% adherence level) were classified as 'adherent'.


CONCLUSIONS
In total 946 patients participated (response rate 97.5%). The proportion of patients who reported not missing a dose during the day prior to the completion of the questionnaire was 97% and the proportion classified as 'adherent' was 63%. 'Adherent' patients were more likely to have a good relationship with their health care professionals (P < 0.05) and not have problems with drugs or alcohol (P < 0.01). Being older (P < 0.01) and having a shorter time on current treatment (P < 0.01) and on treatment in total (P < 0.05) were factors also associated with good adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors modifiable for interventions by health care professionals are patient-provider relationship, drug or alcohol problems and patients with long treatment periods.
Södergård
B
B
Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. bjorn.sodergard@farmaci.uu.se
Halvarsson
M
M
Tully
M P
MP
Mindouri
S
S
Nordström
M-L
ML
Lindbäck
S
S
Sönnerborg
A
A
Lindblad
A K
AK
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012944:Social Support; D013548:Sweden