{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A cross-sectional study of the factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults with human immunodeficiency virus infection in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India.
{Author}: Surendereddy S;Vijaikumar M;Jayaraman R;Vasudevan PK;
{Journal}: Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS
{Volume}: 45
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jan-Jun
暂无{DOI}: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_50_23
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Combating human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic has been possible due to advances in prevention strategies and Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Optimal adherence to ART is a major factor in achieving the desired immunological, virological, and patient well-being outcomes. Several socio-demographic, patient, treatment, and health-care system-related factors influence nonadherent behavior to ART.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This study was planned to assess (1) ART adherence level, (2) factors and reasons associated with nonadherence, and (3) impact of suboptimal adherence on treatment outcomes.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 300 patients in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Random sampling was used to collect data from patient treatment cards and a predesigned structured questionnaire. The pill count method was used to calculate adherence level.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Nonadherence was chosen as a dependent variable and factors affecting adherence were chosen as independent variables. Test for significance was carried out by Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Optimal adherence was seen in 68.3%. Factors significantly associated with nonadherence were lower education level, high prior CD4 count, irregular follow-up, missing doses in the past, and being late for pharmacy pill refills. Adherence was positively associated with mean increase in CD4 count over 6 months.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In our study, the adherence rate is suboptimal which can lead to failure of ART. Nonadherence was associated with a decrease in CD4 count overtime. Most of the factors significantly affecting ART adherence were patient behavior related. These factors can be used for target intervention during reinforcement adherence counseling.