title: Consistent ART adherence is associated with improved quality of Life, CD4 counts, and reduced hospital costs in central China.
abstract: This study aimed to assess levels of ART adherence and to examine the relationship between adherence and treatment outcomes. A longitudinal study in Hunan and Hubei provinces used the CPCRA Antiretroviral Medication Self-Report and a 7-day Visual Analogue Scale to assess levels of adherence, while quality of life was evaluated using SF-36. CD4 cell count and the number, duration, and cost of hospitalizations were collected from participant medical records. Measurements were obtained at baseline, month 3, and month 6. A total of 113 participants enrolled and 98 completed the study. The mean level of adherence was 91%, 89%, and 88% at baseline and at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Of participants, 54/98 (58%) reported taking all doses at all three interviews and were classified as consistent adherers (CA). CAs had better physical function (p = 0.001), general health (p = 0.009), vitality (p = 0.016), social functioning (p = 0.001), and mental health (p = 0.023), and presented a higher CD4 cell count (p = 0.028). CAs also had fewer hospital admissions and readmissions (p = 0.005), shorter hospital stays (p = 0.005), and lower hospital expenses (p = 0.006). Consistent adherence is associated with better outcomes including improved quality of life, higher CD4 counts, and lower health care costs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Central South University , Changsha 410013, Hunan, China. honghong_wang@tom.com
authors.forename: Honghong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Gouping
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Xianhong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Aiyun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Kristopher
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fennie
authors.forename: Ann B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents