title: Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is now considered as a manageable chronic illness. There has been a dramatic reduction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related morbidity and mortality due to antiretroviral therapy. A high level of adherence (>95%) is required for antiretroviral therapy to be effective. There are many barriers to adherence in both developed and developing countries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to determine adherence levels and factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a cross-sectional study design, 116 HIV positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 1 year were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 11.5. Chi-square test was done. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 116 participants, 63.7% reported adherence ≥ 95%. Mean adherence index was 91.25%. Financial constraints, forgetting to take medication, lack of family care, depression, alcohol use, social stigma and side effects to antiretroviral therapy were barriers for adherence in our study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in south India is suboptimal. Intensive adherence counseling should be provided to all patients before initiation ofantiretroviral therapy. Health care providers must identify possible barriers to adherence at the earliest and provide appropriate solutions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal University, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Basavaprabhu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Achappa
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Madi
authors.forename: Unnikrishnan
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bhaskaran
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ramapuram
authors.forename: Satish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Soundarya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahalingam
keywords: Adherence; Adherence index; Antiretroviral therapy; Depression; Human immunodeficiency virus; Stigma