title: Information about medication in HIV-infected patients and its relation to adherence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In HIV-infected patients, comprehension of medication instructions is an essential condition for adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). In this study, we used a self-reported questionnaire to know which sources of medication information HIV-infected patients used and their impact on adherence. In secondary objectives, we determined profiles of non-adherent patients and specified the role of the pharmacist.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in one community pharmacy and one French university hospital pharmacy, in HAART-naïve or not patients, from April to June 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the 3-month study period, 233 HIV-infected patients were included. The majority of patients sought information about their HAART treatments from the hospital physician (79.8%), the community physician (74.2%), and patient information leaflets (73.8%). The community and hospital pharmacists were consulted by respectively 16.3% and 3.4% of patients. According to multivariate regression analysis, adherence seemed to be associated with the sources of information "community physician", "hospital physician", "internet", and the potential support of patient associations. A total of 65.7% of patients were considered to be adherent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our study, among sources used by HIV-infected outpatients, their physicians are the most helpful sources of information about HAART. Regarding practice implications, the key role of the pharmacist is underutilised, indicating the need for improved communication between the pharmacist and outpatients.
authors: Pharmacy Department, AP-HP Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Paris, France. virginie.savoldelli@gmail.com
authors: Virginie
authors: V
authors: Korb-Savoldelli
authors: Florence
authors: F
authors: Gillaizeau
authors: Thibaut
authors: T
authors: Caruba
authors: Ajay
authors: A
authors: Tauckoor
authors: Patrice
authors: P
authors: Prognon
authors: Pierre
authors: P
authors: Durieux
authors: Brigitte
authors: B
authors: Sabatier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010594:Pharmacies; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D057566:Self Report; D012657:Self-Help Groups