Adherence to retroviral treatment

The objective was to describe the influence of personal factors on adherence to antiretroviral treatment in people with HIV/AIDS treated at Asociacion Trebol (Salta, Argentina). A descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study was carried out by means of interviews and a semi-structured questionnaire with sociodemographic sections, adherence test, virological and immunological factors and behavior. The sample consisted of 21 patients. The age ranged from 22 to 53 years (mean 37.5+/-10.19), with a male predominance (86%) and complete secondary school education (48%). Twenty-eight percent showed adequate adherence and 29% non-adherence; the main cause was forgetting to take the medication. Fifty-seven percent interrupted 1-2 full days of treatment and 62% reported having received adequate information on the importance of adherence. No significant associations were found with sociodemographic or clinical factors or with alcohol and drug use. We conclude that less than half of the patients are adherent, that social stigma and loneliness have a negative impact, and that forgetfulness and emotional distress are relevant barriers.