title: Self-reported sexual dysfunction is frequent among HIV-infected persons and is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretrovirals.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, L Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy. trotta@inmi.it
authors.forename: Maria Paola
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Trotta
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ammassari
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Murri
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marconi
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaccarelli
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cozzi-Lepri
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Acinapura
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abrescia
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Longis
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tozzi
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scalzini
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vullo
authors.forename: Evangelo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Boumis
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nasta
authors.forename: Antonella d'Arminio
authors.initials: Ad
authors.lastname: Monforte
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Antinori
mesh_terms: 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