Correlates of self-reported nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Publication

Correlates of self-reported nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Journal Paper/Review - Mar 1, 2006

Glass Tracy R, Battegay Manuel, Hirschel Bernard, Cavassini Matthias, Bernasconi Enos, Furrer Hansjakob, Rickenbach Martin, Vernazza Pietro, Weber Rainer, De Geest Sabina, Bucher Heiner C

Citation

Glass T, Battegay M, Hirschel B, Cavassini M, Bernasconi E, Furrer H, Rickenbach M, Vernazza P, Weber R, De Geest S, Bucher H. Correlates of self-reported nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) 2006; 41:385-92.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) 2006; 41

Publication Date

Mar 1, 2006

Issn Print

1525-4135

Pages

385-92

Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND: Adherence is one of the most crucial issues in the clinical management of HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: A 2-item adherence questionnaire was introduced into the Swiss HIV Cohort Study in July 2003. All 3607 eligible patients were on ART for > or =6 months and their current regimen for > or =1 month. Three definitions of nonadherence were considered: missing > or =1 dose, missing > or =2 doses, and taking <95% of doses in the past 4 weeks. RESULTS: Over 30% of patients reported missing > or =1 dose, 14.9% missed > or =2 doses, and 7.1% took <95% of doses in the previous 4 weeks. The rate of drug holidays was 5.8%. Whether using more or less conservative definitions of nonadherence, younger age, living alone, number of previous regimens, and boosted protease inhibitor regimens were independent factors associated with nonadherence. There was a significant association between optimal viral suppression and nonadherence as well as a significant linear trend in optimal viral suppression by missed doses. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, lack of social support, and complexity of therapy are important factors that are related to nonadherence with ART. Investment in behavioral dimensions of HIV is crucial to improve adherence in ART recipients.