Roche-HIV.com - Adherence to antiretroviral combination therapy

HIV Therapy Adherence

Adherence to Antiretroviral Combination Therapy
Current optimism about the success of antiretroviral combination therapy is based partly on the assumption that an individual with HIV will adhere to therapy as prescribed. Clinical trials, because they involve close monitoring of mostly highly motivated volunteers, may result in better treatment responses than can be achieved in a broader spectrum of volunteers.

Inadequate social and economic resources, which are over-represented in people with HIV, make monitoring and education difficult.

Perceptions of symptom severity and success of symptom control are interrelated with quality of life in late-stage HIV disease. Aspects of quality of life and the individual's outlook²², and the extent of support from friends, relatives and healthcare professionals, are all important in determining whether people adhere to their drug schedule or choose to delay, reduce or stop treatment.

Individualised care for people infected with HIV needs to consider not only the activity and toxicity of the drugs but also the complexity of the treatment schedule, their expectations from therapy and the psychosocial dimensions of the their life, which could influence adherence.

Adherence Issues