Factors Influencing Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Spain

Abstract

Multiple factors have been previously described which could influence adherence to HAART. Our objective is to determine the fundamental factors which influence adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in our population. A cross-sectional study was made selecting 143 outpatients attending our hospital HIV unit. 22 factors were recorded which could influence adherence to treatment (covering individual factors, the illness itself, the therapeutic regimen and the medical team). Adherence was estimated by the combination of two methods (self-report and pharmacy data); statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate methods. 96 patients (67.13%) had good adherence and 47 (32.87%) did not. Only 3 of the 22 factors studied were significant and independent factors related with adherence: employment, housing situation and degree of treatment acceptance. we have found some differences regarding HAART adherence in our population compared with previous studies. Psychosocial and behavioral factors were the principal ones. We must try to detect patients at high risk of non-adherence in order to take therapeutic decisions properly, try to reinforce adherence and modify the factors associated with poor adherence.