Adherence to antiretroviral treatment by people with HIV in tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

With the objective to describe the extent of treatment adherence and identify factors that impact antiretroviral treatment among individuals participating in the HIV treatment program of the Ministry of Health in Tamaulipas, Mexico between June 2008 and October 2008. A cross-sectional study including all individuals in the treatment program (117) was carried. To identify non-adherence in the last four days and the previous four weeks were applied a survey. Logistic regression was performed in order to identify factors influential to no adherence. 50% and 48% were non-adherent during the past four days and four weeks, respectively. The factors influencing non-adherence were: not keeping medications in a specific place, current insatisfation with their health status, and the difficulty in the administration of their treatments. The factors influencing antiretroviral adherence identified can be modified within the health system, ideally before initiating treatment.