title: Determinants of antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV/AIDS patients: a multisite study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is vital in achieving virological treatment success. This study assessed the prevalence of optimal ART adherence and its determinants among HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,016 HIV/AIDS patients at seven hospitals and health centers providing antiretroviral treatment services in three provinces, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City. Self-reported medication adherence was measured using a 30-day visual analog scale (VAS) and 7-day missed-doses questions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean adherence VAS-score was 94.5 out of 100 (SD=8.2), ranging from 40 to 100%. The rate of suboptimal adherence was 25.9%. The rate of missed-doses was 25.2%. In multivariate analysis, increased perceived self-efficacy, use of mobile phone alarms, and reminders from family members were associated with optimal adherence; higher CD4 level, single status, and unstable employment were associated with suboptimal adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High rate of suboptimal adherence observed in this study highlights the importance of adherence support interventions during ART. The use of mobile phone reminders, involvement of relatives, and HIV self-management training programs have the potential to improve ART adherence in Vietnam.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam. bach@hmu.edu.vn
authors.forename: Bach Xuan
authors.initials: BX
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: Long Thanh
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Nga Hoang
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Quynh Van
authors.initials: QV
authors.lastname: Hoang
authors.forename: Jongnam
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014744:Vietnam
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents
keywords: HIV/AIDS; Vietnam; adherence; adherence aid; antiretroviral treatment; drug users