Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV in Coastal South India

• Published in: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care 2016-11, Vol.15 (6), p.529-533
• Main Authors: Banagi Yathiraj, Arjun, Unnikrishnan, Bhaskaran, Ramapuram, John T., Kumar, Nithin, Mithra, Prasanna, Kulkarni, Vaman, Holla, Ramesh, Darshan, B., Thapar, Rekha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstinence; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Adult; AIDS; Anti-Retroviral Agents - therapeutic use; Antiretroviral drugs; Antiretroviral therapy; Counseling; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug therapy; Female; HIV; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - epidemiology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; India - epidemiology; Lentivirus; Male; Medication Adherence - statistics & numerical data; Memory; Prescription drugs; Retroviridae
• ISSN: 2325-9582; 2325-9574; 2325-9582
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957416661424

Background: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has transformed life threatening HIV/AIDS scenario into chronic manageable disease. Methodology: In this cross-sectional, 409 People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) aged ≥ 18 years, who were on ART, were assessed regarding the adherence to ART and factors affecting adherence using semi-structured questionnaire. The association between factors affecting adherence and the level of adherence were analyzed using multiple logistic regression model and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: Among 409 PLHIV, 70.4% showed adherence to ART (≥95%). Univariate analysis yielded many factor associated with adherence (P < 0.05). However, on multivariate analysis, PLHIV who do not forget to take ART and not consuming alcohol were the factors consistent with adherence to ART (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Regular patient education and counseling regarding the usage of memory aids and abstinence from alcohol could be useful for adherence and long term success of ART among PLHIV.