Appropriate adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the adherence to antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected patients at the Centro de Referencia Viva Vida in Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: As a descriptive and quantitative retrospective cross-sectional study, we enlisted HIV-infected patients, over 18 years old, users of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) from June 2011 to July 2012. Data on withdrawal of medication and viral load were collected from the drug logistics management information system and from the medical records, respectively. Sociodemographic and data regarding HAART use were collected manually, using appropriate forms. The CEAT-HIV questionnaire was filled out by140 patients who were using HAART. For data analysis, we used ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum tests, complemented with Dunn's test, when necessary. P < 0.05 was adopted as the limit for significance. RESULTS: The age group 18-30 years presented lower adherence compared with the group aged over 60 years (p = 0.047). Regarding the HAART usage time, there was no difference between groups (p = 0.515). For the number of pills taken per day, there was greater adherence for patients taking up to 4 pills compared to those taking 5-10 pills daily (p = 0.037). Concerning adherence measured by the CEAT-HIV questionnaire, there was strict/rigorous adherence in 57.8% of patients, with 21.4% of the patients classified as having adequate adherence, according to the data on dispensation of medicines. CONCLUSION: Patients participating in HAART and taking up to 4 pills had good adherence to treatment.