Evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Italian HIV patients

AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2003 Jan;17(1):33-41. doi: 10.1089/108729103321042890.

Abstract

We studied factors associated with treatment adherence in 88 male and 21 female adults (age range, 24-65 years) with HIV infection undergoing therapy with HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs) in Italy. Data on sociodemographic variables, clinical and psychological symptoms, treatment compliance, physician/patient relationship, and psychosocial characteristics were obtained by means of semistructured interviews. Every subject also compiled two self-report questionnaires: Coping Orientations to Problem Experiences (COPE) and Medical Outcomes Study-HIV (MOS-HIV) in order to evaluate the use of coping strategies and quality of life. We found a high rate of adherence to HIV therapies (almost 90% of patients had taken at least 80% of medication in the previous 7 days). No significant differences were found between adherence and nonadherence groups as measured by self-report. Few significant differences were found when data laboratory were used. When a Bonferroni corrected p level of <0.001 was used, only a comparison on Mental Disengagement subscale of COPE was statistically significant.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • HIV-1
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors