Determinants of antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV/AIDS patients: a multisite study
Tran, B.Xuan.; Nguyen, L.Thanh.; Nguyen, N.Hoang.; Hoang, Q.Van.; Hwang, J.
Global Health Action 6: 19570
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1654-9716 PMID: 23497956 Document Number: 571606
Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is vital in achieving virological treatment success. This study assessed the prevalence of optimal ART adherence and its determinants among HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,016 HIV/AIDS patients at seven hospitals and health centers providing antiretroviral treatment services in three provinces, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City. Self-reported medication adherence was measured using a 30-day visual analog scale (VAS) and 7-day missed-doses questions. The mean adherence VAS-score was 94.5 out of 100 (SD=8.2), ranging from 40 to 100%. The rate of suboptimal adherence was 25.9%. The rate of missed-doses was 25.2%. In multivariate analysis, increased perceived self-efficacy, use of mobile phone alarms, and reminders from family members were associated with optimal adherence; higher CD4 level, single status, and unstable employment were associated with suboptimal adherence. High rate of suboptimal adherence observed in this study highlights the importance of adherence support interventions during ART. The use of mobile phone reminders, involvement of relatives, and HIV self-management training programs have the potential to improve ART adherence in Vietnam.