Self-reported sexual dysfunction is frequent among HIV-infected persons and is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretrovirals.
Increased occurrence of sexual dysfunction (SD) among patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported. To assess prevalence of self-reported SD and to identify factors related to this alteration with special focus to its relationship with adherence behavior, we conducted an intercohort analysis among HIV-infected persons treated with HAART. In an anonymous questionnaire investigating HAART nonadherence, patients were asked to report the occurrence of dysfunction in sexual activity over the previous 4 weeks. Among 612 participants, 125 (21%) reported some degree of SD. "Moderate"/"severe" alterations were reported in 6% and were independently associated with self-reported worsening of viro-immunological parameters (OR 3.90; 95% CI 1.08-14.18), higher symptom score (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05-1.22), and reporting abnormal fat accumulation (OR 4.33; 95% CI 1.55-12.11). Furthermore, nonadherent persons had an increased risk of SD (OR 3.44; 95% CI 1.30-9.08). In conclusion, patients' perceived SD represents a relevant problem for HIV-infected persons treated with antiretrovirals and is strongly associated with suboptimal HAART adherence.
Trotta
Maria Paola
MP
Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, L Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy. trotta@inmi.it
Ammassari
Adriana
A
Murri
Rita
R
Marconi
Patrizia
P
Zaccarelli
Mauro
M
Cozzi-Lepri
Alessandro
A
Acinapura
Rosa
R
Abrescia
Nicola
N
De Longis
Patrizio
P
Tozzi
Valerio
V
Scalzini
Alfredo
A
Vullo
Vincenzo
V
Boumis
Evangelo
E
Nasta
Paola
P
Monforte
Antonella d'Arminio
Ad
Antinori
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012647:Self-Assessment; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires