[Assessment of factors associated with patients' comprehension of treatment at the start of antiretroviral therapy].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with patients' comprehension of antiretroviral therapy (ART).


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis in which patients at 2 HIV/AIDS public referral centers (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) were interviewed after initiating ART. Information was recorded on variables related to the patient's characteristics, the treatment prescribed, and the healthcare professional involved. A score indicating the patients' level of comprehension regarding the medications prescribed was obtained using a latent trait model estimated by the item response theory.


RESULTS
A total of 406 patients were interviewed. Mean (SD) age was 35 (10) years, 227 were men (56%), 302 of Afro-American ethnicity (77%), and 213 had <8 years of education (53%). The regression model determined that 52.25% of the variability of comprehension was explained by the individual's characteristics. Variables associated (P<0.05) with poorest understanding about ART were lower education (<8 years), lack of knowledge about treatment duration and clinical severity, inadequate information provided by physicians, inability to understand pharmaceutical information, daily number of tablets, and the ART regimen prescribed.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehension of information about the ART regimen prescribed varies considerably between individuals. Nonetheless, several factors were found to be associated with the level of understanding: characteristics of the patient (education, clinical severity), characteristics of treatment (daily number of tablets, ART regimen prescribed), and contribution of healthcare professionals (information from physicians and pharmacists). Strategies to reinforce information about ART should be a priority for patients with a low level of understanding.
Braga Ceccato
Maria das Graças
Md
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil. mgbceccato@medicina.ufmg.br
Acurcio
Francisco de Assis
Fde A
Vallano
Antonio
A
Comini César
Cibele
C
Crosland Guimarães
Mark Drew
MD
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001938:Brazil; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents