title: Barriers to HIV Medication Adherence as a Function of Regimen Simplification.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Barriers to HIV medication adherence may differ by levels of dosing schedules.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The current study examined adherence barriers associated with medication regimen complexity and simplification.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 755 people living with HIV currently taking anti-retroviral therapy were recruited from community services in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants completed audio-computer-assisted self-interviews that assessed demographic and behavioral characteristics, provided their HIV viral load obtained from their health care provider, and completed unannounced phone-based pill counts to monitor medication adherence over 1 month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants taking a single-tablet regimen (STR) were more likely to be adherent than those taking multi-tablets in a single-dose regimen (single-dose MTR) and those taking multi-tablets in a multi-dose regimen (multi-dose MTR), with no difference between the latter two. Regarding barriers to adherence, individuals taking STR were least likely to report scheduling issues and confusion as reasons for missing doses, but they were equally likely to report multiple lifestyle and logistical barriers to adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence interventions may need tailoring to address barriers that are specific to dosing regimens.
authors: Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06268, USA.
authors: Yiyun
authors: Y
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
authors: Kun
authors: K
authors: Chen
authors: Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06268, USA. seth.k@uconn.edu.
authors: Seth C
authors: SC
authors: Kalichman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: HIV treatment; Health disparities; Medication adherence