'Do HIV-infected injecting drug users over-report adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy?' A comparison between patients' self-reports and serum protease inhibitor concentrations in the French Manif 2000 cohort study

[Factors associated with non-adherence of adults infected with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in a referral hospital in Douala]

Introduction

Le succès du traitement antirétroviral repose sur l'observance. Elle est nécessaire pour réduire la mortalité, diminuer le risque de résistance et restaurer l'immunité. Cette étude a pour but d'identifier et analyser les différents facteurs associés à la non observance thérapeutique des patients infectés par le VIH sous traitement antirétroviraux à l'hôpital de référence Laquintinie de Douala.

Méthodes

Il s'agit d'une étude transversale et analytique effectuée de mars à juin 2014. La non observance est mesurée à travers les déclarations du patient et sur consultation des registres de renouvellement des ordonnances. Etaient non observant, ceux ayant consommé moins de 95% de médicaments et ceux ne s’étant pas présentés pour le renouvellement de l'ordonnance. L'analyse bivariée et le modèle de régression logistique ont été utilisés pour la détermination des facteurs associés à la non observance.

Résultats

Au total, 524 patients ont été enrôlés dans l’étude;l’âge moyen était de 43,0 ± 10,7 ans et le sexe ratio H/F de 0,54. De ces patients, 49,0% étaient non observant, majoritairement des femmes (61,9%). Les principales raisons avancées de la non observance sont: l'oubli (32,9%), la rupture de médicaments (14,0%), les occupations (12,8%). Les personnes veuves(IC 95% OR= 1,31-5,22, p= 0,006), la consommation des excitants (IC 95%, OR= 2,30-6,90, p= 0,0001) et la présence d'infection opportuniste (IC 95%, OR= 1,41-17,54, p= 0,01) ont fortement été associés à la non observance.

Conclusion

Le taux d'observance était faible, lié à plusieurs facteurs. Des mesures sont nécessaires pour résoudre ce problème, y compris des stratégies tendant à l'amélioration du soutien psycho-social, et la limitation des ruptures de stock de médicaments. La recherche qualitative est souhaitée pour comprendre les raisons de la non observance afin de mettre au point des interventions fondées sur des données probantes.

Impact of HCV treatment and depressive symptoms on adherence to HAART among HIV-HCV-coinfected patients: results from the ANRS-CO13-HEPAVIH cohort

BACKGROUND

The additional burden of HCV infection in HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals may have some consequences on adherence to HAART. Few studies have explored the pattern of correlates of non-adherence to HAART while simultaneously considering the impact of HCV treatment and depressive symptoms on adherence to HAART. We used longitudinal data to assess factors associated with non-adherence to HAART.

METHODS

The French national prospective cohort ANRS-CO13-HEPAVIH is a multicentrer cohort, which recruited 1,175 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients in 17 hospital outpatient units delivering HIV and HCV care in France between October 2006 and June 2008. For this analysis, we selected participants on HAART with self-reported data for adherence to HAART (n=727 patients, 1,190 visits). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and medical records. A mixed logistic regression model based on an exchangeable correlation matrix was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence to HAART.

RESULTS

Patients reported non-adherence to HAART in 808 (68%) of the 1,190 visits. Four variables remained associated with non-adherence to HAART after multivariate analysis: hazardous alcohol consumption, cocaine use and depressive symptoms, regardless of whether treatment for depression was being received. Finally, patients being treated for HCV infection were less likely to be non-adherent to HAART.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the problem of polydrug use, two other dimensions deserve special attention when considering adherence to HAART in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. Access to HCV treatment should be encouraged as well adequate treatment for depression in this population to improve adherence and response to HAART.

Assessing adherence to antiretroviral therapy in randomized HIV clinical trials: a review of currently used methods

Antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection requires high levels of adherence to both maintain plasma HIV RNA at undetectable levels and prevent the emergence of drug resistance. As adherence to treatment is a major criterion for the evaluation of therapeutic outcomes, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted among HIV-infected patients commonly include an assessment of adherence. However, there is still no gold-standard tool for assessing adherence behaviors in HIV RCTs. The methods currently used to collect and analyze adherence data are varied, which makes the comparison of results between studies difficult. The scope of this article is to review and discuss the range of adherence measures currently used in RCTs conducted among HIV-infected adults.

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment in HIV-positive patients in the Cameroon context: promoting the use of medication reminder methods

OBJECTIVES

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) scale-up in sub-Saharan Africa has made it possible to investigate the maintenance of adherence to HIV medications. We describe here adherence to ART and identify its correlates in the Cameroonian context.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in 9 rural district hospitals.

METHODS

A mixed logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with adherence to ART in 401 patients with data prospectively collected on adherence.

RESULTS

Although 73% of patients were adherent after the first month on ART, this proportion decreased to 61% after 24 months. After adjustment for known factors of adherence to ART (such as knowledge, motivation and side-effects), patients who reported willingness to start ART before initiation, those who were satisfied with information provided by their physicians, and those who implemented reminder methods for ART intake {eg, using an alarm clock, mobile phone, or watch [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] = 2.45 (1.58 to 3.79), but also the help of a relative to remind them or other methods} were more likely to be adherent to ART.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides highlighting some correlates already known to have an impact on adherence to ART, our findings also underline the need to reinforce the counseling component of follow-up through innovative methods. Accordingly, training and implementation research should encourage the use of medication reminder methods, such as mobile phones, to assure adherence over time and improve long-term response to ART.

Self-reported side effects in buprenorphine and methadone patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: results from the MANIF 2000 cohort study

AIMS

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between methadone and buprenorphine treatment and self-reported symptoms in HIV-infected opioid dependent individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

DESIGN

Longitudinal study.

SETTING

The French MANIF2000 cohort was used to compare self-reported symptoms in buprenorphine and methadone patients also receiving ART.

PARTICIPANTS

We selected individuals receiving ART and OAT (342 visits among 106 patients).

MEASUREMENTS

Symptoms were self-reported using a list of 14 symptoms (e.g. nausea, fatigue, fever) perceived during the previous 4 weeks, including three painful symptoms (abdominal or muscular pain, headaches). A two-step Heckman approach enabled us to account for the non-random assignment of OAT: a probit model identified predictors of starting either buprenorphine or methadone. A Poisson regression based on generalized estimating equations (GEE) was then used to identify predictors of the number of symptoms while adjusting for the non-random assignment of OAT.

FINDINGS

The median (interquartile range) number of symptoms was 4 (1-6) and 2 (1-6) among buprenorphine and methadone patients, respectively. After adjustment for non-random assignment of OAT type, depressive and opioid withdrawal symptoms, anxiolytics consumption and daily cannabis use, methadone patients were more likely to report a lower number of symptoms than those receiving buprenorphine.

CONCLUSIONS

Methadone patients on ART report fewer symptoms than buprenorphine patients on ART under current treatment conditions in France. Further experimental research is still needed to identify an OAT-ART strategy which would minimize the burden of self-reported symptoms and potential interactions, while assuring sustainability and response to both treatments.

Assessing patient adherence to chronic diseases treatment: differentiating between epidemiological and clinical approaches

This review discusses the concepts and methods for assessing patient adherence to treatment, as applied to both epidemiological and clinical approaches within real health care practices. For the epidemiological approach, the assessment must be as accurate as possible. Self-reported questionnaires are the most feasible option in most circumstances, but most demonstrate low sensitivity combined with high specificity. We suggest that self-reported outcomes, where feasible, can increase the sensitivity for non-adherence of these questionnaires. In the clinical approach an accurate distinction between adherents and non-adherents is less useful. For the health provider, it is more important to be aware of the particular situation that each patient is currently experiencing with his/her treatment. Self-reported questionnaires applied in clinical settings can help the health provider to form an objective opinion. In any event, the patient-provider dialogue is still the best approach to assess patient adherence as well as to deliver good care.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected drug users: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and a qualitative systematic review of factors associated with better HAART outcomes among HIV+ drug users (DU). Thirty-eight studies were considered, which analyzed 14,960 patients (11,394 HIV+ DU, 76.2%). Overall adherence (pooled percent of DU classified as adherent in each study) was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.52-0.68), similar to levels identified by studies conducted with HIV+ patients who are not drug users. Time frame used to measure adherence was an independent predictor of inter-study heterogeneity. The systematic review identified better HAART outcomes among former DU, those with less severe psychiatric conditions, those receiving opioid substitution therapy and/or psychosocial support. Patients initiating HAART with lower viral load and higher CD4 counts, and those without co-infections also had better treatment outcomes. Our findings suggest that HIV+ DU tend to be inappropriately assumed to be less adherent and unlikely to achieve desirable treatment outcomes, when compared to their non-DU cohort.

Good adherence to HAART and improved survival in a community HIV/AIDS treatment and care programme: the experience of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Kampala, Uganda

Background

Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may result in treatment failure and death. Most reports of the effect of adherence to HAART on mortality come from studies where special efforts are made to provide HAART under ideal conditions. However, there are few reports of the impact of non-adherence to HAART on mortality from community HIV/AIDS treatment and care programmes in developing countries. We therefore conducted a study to assess the effect of adherence to HAART on survival in The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) community HAART programme in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort of 897 patients who initiated HAART at TASO clinic, Kampala, between May 2004 and December 2006. A total of 7,856 adherence assessments were performed on the data. Adherence was assessed using a combination of self-report and pill count methods. Patients who took ≤ 95% of their regimens were classified as non-adherent. The data was stratified at a CD4 count of 50 cells/mm³. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used in the analysis.

Results

A total of 701 (78.2%) patients had a mean adherence to ART of > 95%. The crude death rate was 12.2 deaths per 100 patient-years, with a rate of 42.5 deaths per 100 patient-years for non-adherent patients and 6.1 deaths per 100 patient-years for adherent patients. Non-adherence to ART was significantly associated with mortality. Patients with a CD4 count of less than 50 cells/mm³ had a higher mortality (HR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.22–5.56) compared to patients with a CD4 count equal to or greater than 50 cells/mm³ (HR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.79–2.38).

Conclusion

Our study showed that good adherence and improved survival are feasible in community HIV/AIDS programmes such as that of TASO, Uganda. However, there is need to support community HAART programmes to overcome the challenges of funding to provide sustainable supplies particularly of antiretroviral drugs; provision of high quality clinical and laboratory support; and achieving a balance between expansion and quality of services. Measures for the early identification and treatment of HIV infected people including home-based VCT and HAART should be strengthened.

The impact of methadone or buprenorphine treatment and ongoing injection on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence: evidence from the MANIF2000 cohort study

AIMS

To date, no data exist assessing the impact of either methadone or buprenorphine on adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the long term. This study was conducted in order to evaluate whether receiving take-home methadone and buprenorphine may ensure better adherence to HAART in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through injection drug use (IDU).

DESIGN

Longitudinal data on adherence, opioid substitution treatment (OST) and patient behaviours starting from their first HAART prescription were collected for 276 individuals HIV-infected through drug use (n=1558 visits).

SETTING

Out-patient hospital services delivering HIV care in Marseilles, Avignon, Nice and Ile de France.

MEASUREMENTS

At any given visit, patients were classified both according to the type of OST received and ongoing injection. Patients who reported no injection and no OST over the whole study period were considered as 'abstinent' and used as a reference category. A logit model based on generalized estimation equations (GEE) was used to identify predictors of non-adherence.

FINDINGS

After adjustment for alcohol consumption, depression and self-reported side effects, patients ceasing injection during OST and abstinent patients exhibited comparable adherence. Patients reporting injection, on OST or not, had a twofold and threefold risk, respectively, of non-adherence compared with abstinent patients (P<0.01 linear trend). Duration on OST without injecting was associated significantly with virological success.

CONCLUSIONS

Both access to and effectiveness of OST contribute to sustaining adherence to HAART in HIV-infected IDUs. These results advocate strongly the need of wider use of OST in countries scaling-up HAART where HIV is driven by IDUs.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome among drug users: a systematic review

AIMS

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a key predictor of survival for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people. Suboptimal adherence among marginalized populations such as HIV-positive drug users could be associated with clinical failure and the emergence of viral resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of studies assessing adherence to HAART among HIV-positive drug users (DU) and identify factors associated with non-adherence to HIV treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Seven electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers published in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese, from 1996 to 2007.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA ABSTRACTION

Studies were excluded if they presented only qualitative data, were reviews themselves or assessed other populations without disaggregating data on DU. Findings on adherence were extracted and summarized.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Forty-one studies were considered, which studied a total of 15 194 patients, the majority of whom were HIV-positive DU (n = 11 628, 76.5%). Twenty-two studies assessed adherence using patient self-reports, eight used pharmacy records, three used electronic monitoring [i.e. Medication Event Monitoring Systems (MEMS) caps], six studies used a combination of patient self-report, clinical data and MEMS-caps, and two analyzed secondary data. Overall, active substance use was associated with poor adherence, as well as depression and low social support. Higher adherence was found in patents receiving care in structured settings (e.g. directly observed therapy) and/or drug addiction treatment (especially substitution therapy).

CONCLUSION

While lower than other populations-especially among users of stimulants, incarcerated DU and patients with psychiatric comorbidities-adherence to HAART among HIV-positive DU can be achieved. Better adherence was identified among those engaged in comprehensive services providing HIV and addiction treatment with psychosocial support.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in patients enrolled in a comprehensive care program in Cambodia: A 24-month follow-up assessment

Background

The long-term maintenance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important issue, especially in limited-resource settings where additional barriers exist. A cross-sectional study was performed 24 months after ART initiation for patients treated in Cambodia in order to estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of non-adherence.

Methods

Adults receiving ART for 24 ±2 months were considered eligible for the study. Self-reported non-adherence was defined according to an algorithm based on six items. The questionnaire also assessed ART-related side effects and HIV disclosure. HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load was measured using real-time PCR. Multivariate rare events logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with non-adherence.

Results

A total of 346 patients participated in the study. At 24 months, 95% of patients were adherent, 80% had HIV RNA <40 copies/ml and 75% had CD4+ T-cell counts >200 cells/mm3. Virological success was significantly higher in adherent patients than in non-adherent patients (81% versus 56%, P=0.021). Living in a rural area, limited HIV disclosure and perceived lipodystrophy were independently associated with non-adherence.

Conclusions

At 24 months, adherence to ART was high and explained positive virological outcomes. In order to maintain adherence and long-term virological benefits, special attention should be given to patients living in rural areas, those with lipodystrophy-related symptoms and others who express difficulties disclosing their condition to close family members.

Evidence-based, multifactorial approach to addressing non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy and improving standards of care

BACKGROUND

Near-perfect adherence to antiretroviral therapy over time is critical to achieve viral suppression and recovery of functional immunity in individuals infected with HIV. The concept of adherence as a dynamic behaviour influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors motivated us to implement an integrated, multifactorial programme in our hospital-based setting. The aims of this study were to survey the scope and determinants of non-adherence in patients attending the Ambulatory HIV Service at Royal Perth Hospital, to develop a method for longitudinal monitoring and to implement measures tailored to support individuals.

METHODS

The US Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group self-report baseline adherence, follow-up and side-effect questionnaires were used to survey 247 patients at two time-points between September 2002 and February 2003. A longitudinal monitoring method was developed and the WA HIV Cohort Study database used to collate results with clinical markers up to December 2005.

RESULTS

Adherence was associated with viral suppression and CD4 T-cell recovery and improved over the 3-year period under observation (all P < 0.001). Diminishing adherence was associated with younger age (P = 0.002), substance use (P < 0.01), perceived stress (P = 0.04) and indicators of depression (P = 0.03). The analyses showed relationships between personal experience of side-effects and the depression indicator scale in patients on antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

The programme resulted in an improvement in adherence in our cohort even after adjusting for pill burden, dosing frequency and highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen and has enhanced focus on patients vulnerable to non-adherence while supporting those not currently at risk.

Factors associated with nonadherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy: a 5-year follow-up analysis with correction for the bias induced by missing data in the treatment maintenance phase

This study aimed to identify factors associated with nonadherence during the maintenance phase of highly active antiretroviral therapy (months 12-60) in the Anti PROtease Cohort (APROCO) cohort after correcting for the bias due to missing outcome data. A Heckman 2-stage approach (generalized estimating equations probit model) was used to compare visits with moderate or poor adherence and visits with high adherence. Between months 12 and 60, at least 1 self-reported adherence measure was available for 970 of the 1110 patients with at least 12 months of follow-up (3889 visits with adherence assessments). Adherence was rated as high at 2466 visits, moderate at 1125, and poor at 298. After adjustment for "missingness," moderate and poor adherence were independently associated with age (younger), perceived treatment side effects, dosing frequency different from twice daily, and a protease inhibitor-based regimen. They were also associated with depression and lack of support from the main partner. High adherence was most likely among patients born outside the European Union. A comparison restricted to poor-adherence and high-adherence visits yielded a similar pattern of predictors. Adjusting for missing outcome data changed the predictor set. Reasons for nonadherence are multifactorial. Psychosocial interventions and the selection of the best-tolerated regimens are needed to improve long-term adherence of HIV-infected patients to their lifelong treatment.

Self-report measures of antiretroviral therapy adherence: A review with recommendations for HIV research and clinical management

A review of 77 studies employing self-report measures of antiretroviral adherence published 1/1996 through 8/2004 revealed great variety in adherence assessment item content, format, and response options. Recall periods ranged from 2 to 365 days (mode = 7 days). The most common cutoff for optimal adherence was 100% (21/48 studies, or 44%). In 27 of 34 recall periods (79%), self-reported adherence was associated with adherence as assessed with other indirect measures. Data from 57 of 67 recall periods (84%) indicated self-reported adherence was significantly associated with HIV-1 RNA viral load; in 16 of 26 (62%), it was associated with CD4 count. Clearly, the field would benefit from item standardization and a priori definitions and operationalizations of adherence. We conclude that even brief self-report measures of antiretroviral adherence can be robust, and recommend items and strategies for HIV research and clinical management.

Measuring adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy: implications for research and practice

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has radically changed the course of HIV disease, producing substantial reductions in both HIV-related morbidity and mortality. However, the complexity of the typical daily HAART regimen is substantial, and high levels of adherence are essential for complete and long-term viral suppression and the avoidance of drug resistance. The complexity of HAART has made the assessment of medication adherence of paramount importance. Even though various methods are in use, each measures only a subset of adherence behaviors, and each measure has limited predictive validity. Given the individual and public health concerns associated with adherence to HAART, there is a need for the continued development and validation of measures of medication adherence.

Recomendaciones GESIDA/SEFH/PNS para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en el año 2004

Since the early days of antiretroviral therapy, adherence has emerged as the milestone of success; in fact, it is the most potent predictor of effectiveness. The main factors related to adherence include the complexity of the therapeutic regimen, adverse effects, psychological problems, alcoholism and active addiction to drugs, lack of social and family support and the patient's beliefs and attitudes about the treatment. Adherence monitoring should be part of the HIV patient's regular care, and should be done with feasible, easily applied methods adapted to the different clinical settings. The minimally acceptable measures should include use of a validated questionnaire, together with data from the Pharmacy Department's drug dispensation registry. All patients that begin HAART or undergo a change of treatment should participate in a treatment education program imparted by health professionals with knowledge and experience in the management of patients with HIV infection. The health team (doctors, pharmacists and nursing professionals) should offer maximum availability to solve the doubts and problems that may occur during treatment. When sub-optimal adherence is detected, intervention strategies based on psychological therapy, educational efforts and personal advice should be attempted, in order to adapt the treatment scheme to the patient's habits and provide solutions to the problem of non-compliance. In certain situations, co-morbid conditions will also require attention. Treatment adherence, being a multidimensional problem, needs a multidisciplinary team approach. The choice of therapy, only one aspect of the multidimensional problem of adherence, must be a careful and individualized decision; however, simpler regimens with regard to the number of pills and daily dose are desirable.

Depression and Clinical Progression in HIV-Infected Drug Users Treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Objective

To disentangle the impact of adherence from that of injecting drug status and depressive syndrome on HIV clinical progression in a cohort of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART)-treated HIV patients infected through drug use.

Design

MANIF 2000 is a French cohort of HIV-infected drug users with scheduled medical visits every 6 months. Only patients enrolled in the MANIF 2000 cohort who had a CD4 cell count >200 cells/μl at HAART initiation were selected. The follow-up period included all post-HAART initiation visits.

Methods

HIV clinical progression was defined as either AIDS-related death or reaching a CD4 level <200 cells/μl. Adherence was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and a structured face-to-face interview. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score at each visit. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate crude and adjusted relative hazards and 95% confidence intervals and thus identify independent predictors of clinical progression.

Results

Of the 305 HAART-treated patients in the cohort, 243 had CD4 cell count >200 cells/μl at HAART initiation. At the first visit after HAART initiation, median CD4 cell count was 466 cells/μl and 45% had undetectable viral load. Injecting drug users accounted for 17% of the study group. Over the follow-up period, 32 patients experienced HIV clinical progression. Probable depression was encountered in 46% of patients and non-adherence in 31% of the sample. After adjustment on baseline CD4 cell count, predictors of clinical progression were: having a higher level of cumulative non-adherence over the follow-up period [HR (95% CI)=1.2 (1.1–1.3) per 10% increase] and having a high score of depressive symptoms following HAART initiation [HR (95% CI)=5.3 (2.21–3.0)]. Conclusions: Although depressive syndrome is known to influence non-adherence behaviours that are amongst the major reasons for clinical progression, it is also a predictor of clinical progression in HIV-infected intravenous drug users on HAART, independently of non-adherence behaviours. HIV care providers should be more sensitive to depressive symptoms in order to detect them early and supply HIV patients with specific care. Further research is needed to determine whether treating depressive symptoms may improve adherence and thus delay disease progression and mortality.

Impact of HAART-related side effects on unsafe sexual behaviours in HIV-infected injecting drug users: 7-year follow up

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of non-lipodystrophy HAART-related side effects on unprotected sexual behaviours among HIV-infected drug users. DESIGNAND PARTICIPANTS: HAART-treated patients who reported having occasional partners during the follow-up period after HAART initiation were selected among patients of the MANIF 2000 cohort of HIV-infected drug users.

METHODS

Visits where patients reported unsafe sexual behaviours with occasional partners were compared to visits where they reported safe sexual behaviours using a logistic model based on Generalized Estimating Equations.

RESULTS

One-hundred and ninety-two HAART-treated patients reported occasional sexual partners at least once during follow-up, accounting for a total of 464 visits. Among these 192 patients, 134 (70%) declared at least once unsafe sexual behaviours with occasional partners. During follow-up, three or more HAART-related side effects were reported in 273 of the 464 visits. When comparing visits where patients reported unsafe sexual behaviours with occasional partners (n = 249) with those where they reported safe sexual behaviours (n = 215), experiencing three or more HAART-related side effects was significantly associated with unsafe sex after adjustment for cofactors such as injecting drug status, reporting more than two sexual partners and having sex more than once a week.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived side effects play a role in determining unsafe sexual behaviours. HIV prevention interventions must consider the negative impact of HAART-related side effects on sexual risk-taking behaviours. Drug maintenance programs contribute to sexual risk reduction among drug injecting patients.

Factores predictores de carga viral detectable en pacientes en tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Knowledge of the variables predicting detectable viral load in patients with highly active antiretroviral treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Observational and cross-sectional study in patients with antiretroviral treatment receiving two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one protease inhibitor. Several sociodemographic and clinic variables were registered. Two models were designed in order to assess the adherence: I. combining self-report and pharmacy criteria, and II. including drug plasma levels in adherent patients with the two former criteria and detectable viral load. Logistic regression analysis with variables found to be associated with detectable viral load in the univariate analysis, diagnostic algorithm and ROC statistics were performed in order to select the best model to predict detectable viral load.

RESULTS

Among of 136 patients studied, 39 (28.7%) had detectable viral load. Patients less than 35 years old (OR = 2.68), intravenous drug users or heterosexual contacts as the way of HIV infection (OR = 6.42), patients not fully convinced of the capacity of mutation of the HIV by poor adherence (OR = 3.25) and patients considered non-adherent according to the drug plasma levels criteria (OR = 6.91) had more frequently detectable viral load. The best model to predict detectable viral load would include patients considered non-adherent according to the two models used, and moreover, patients where another of the factors of risk were detected; the prevalence of detectable viral load in these was of 10% versus 43%.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to HAART is a key factor to predict detectable viral load, specially in young patients, infected by intravenous drug use or heterosexual contacts, and patients not convinced of the importance of the adherence.

[Economic and socio-behavioural issues related to highly active antiretroviral therapies for HIV infection: the contribution of social science research]

This article presents a synthesis of the main topics covered by social science research (SSR) on HIV/AIDS, since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) in 1996. SSR has shown that non-adherence cannot be reliably <<predicted>> on the sole basis of a few a priori patient characteristics that clinicians could easily identify before initiation of HAART, and that a dynamic approach to adherence, continuously monitoring the impact of patients' subjective experience with HAART is needed. In relationship with the evolution of HIV infection toward a <<chronic disease>>, SSR has dealt with the impact of HAART on all aspects of patients' daily lives (from employment and professional status to sexuality). It has also emphasised the potential contradictions between the hopes generated by these cost-effective therapeutic advances, on the one hand, and the high social vulnerability of a growing proportion of people living with HIV-AIDS, on the other hand. Finally, SSR suggests recommendations for <<normalising>> AIDS public policies without losing the potential for innovations that the fight against this epidemic has introduced in health care and <<Social Security>> systems, as well as physician-patient's relationships.

Impact of early versus late adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy on immuno-virological response: a 3-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of different patterns of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in particular, the relative impact of early and late adherence, on long-term immuno-virological response in HIV-infected individuals started on a protease inhibitor-containing regimen.

DESIGN

Clinical, immuno-virological and self-reported adherence data were collected at 4 (M4), 12 (M12), 20 (M20), 28 (M28) and 36 (M36) months after HAART initiation in the French APROCO cohort.

METHODS

A standardized self-administered questionnaire classified patients as non-adherent, moderately or highly adherent at each visit. Stable viral suppression at both M28 to M36, and a CD4 cell increase > 200 between M0 and M36 were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Of the 582 patients followed regularly through M36, 360 patients had complete adherence data. Although 59.2% were highly adherent at M4, only 25.8% maintained consistent high adherence throughout the follow-up. High adherence at M4 was independently associated with both stable viral suppression at M28-M36 [OR (95% CI): 2.8 (1.4-5.5)] and a CD4 cell increase > 200 during the same period [OR (95% CI): 3.9 (1.7-9.7)]. However, 'moderately adherent' patients between M12 and M36 had the same likelihood [OR (95% CI): 1.9 (1.1-3.2)] as patients who were always high adherent [OR (95% CI): 1.9 (1.1-3.2)] of achieving stable viral load suppression, relative to those who reported non-adherence episodes.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing adherence in the early months of treatment is crucial to ensure long-term immuno-virological high adherence during follow-up have a less negative impact. Priority should be given to interventions aimed to improve adherence in the early months of HAART.

Attitudes toward HIV protease inhibitors and medication adherence in an inner city HIV population

The objective of this pilot study was to examine attitudes toward protease inhibitors (PIs) among HIV-infected individuals and to assess the relationship between PI attitudes and adherence to PIs. Respondents were recruited from four AIDS service organizations in New York City; the total sample consisted of 97 HIV-infected individuals who were taking a PI. The sample consisted largely of African Americans and Latinos from inner city areas, and most had a low level of education. Adherence was suboptimal, with more than 50% of respondents failing to take their PI medications exactly as prescribed within the previous month. Individuals who had recently used illegal drugs within the past 6 months were more likely to be nonadherent to PIs. Those who were not adherent to PI medications reported greater concern about the side effects of PIs and were more likely to believe that it was acceptable to skip doses of PIs.

Failure to maintain adherence to HAART in a cohort of French HIV-positive injecting drug users

The study, carried out in the French MANIF 2000 cohort of HIV positive patients contaminated through injecting drug use, assessed the impact of patients' sociodemographic and psychological characteristics, behaviors toward drug abuse, and antiretroviral treatment characteristics on the maintenance of adherence to HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapies). A total of 96 patients (30 men and 66 women), who were initially adherent at their first visit after HAART prescription, were considered for analysis. Among these 96 patients, 22 (22.9%) experienced adherence failure defined as a self-reported, non-adherence behavior at any visit before the 18th month of treatment. Logistic regression showed that lack of a stable relationship, active drug injection, and depression were independently associated with adherence failure. Patients' counseling for facilitating maintenance of adherence to HAART over time should focus on prevention of drug use, provision of social support and consider the potential impact of difficulties with treatment on psychological well-being.

Nonadherence among HIV-infected injecting drug users: the impact of social instability

The authors tested the impact of social instability on adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among patients infected with HIV through injection drug use (IDU; MANIF2000 cohort). In the study, they analyzed sociodemographic baseline characteristics to develop an indicator of social instability. Information concerning adherence to HAART was collected through questionnaires during a 2-year follow-up period. Factors associated with nonadherence were studied in two different groups: 1) patients who had stopped injection drug use (ex-IDUs) and who were not in drug maintenance programs (DMT) during the entire follow-up period, and 2) those who were still opiate dependent. Among the 210 eligible patients, 114 were classified as ex-IDUs and 96 as opiate dependent. Ex-IDUs reported nonadherence behaviors in 96 of 384 visits (25.0%), while opiate-dependent patients were nonadherent in 111 of 308 visits (36.0%; p = .02). Among ex-IDUs, the only factor associated with nonadherence was social instability, while among opiate-dependent patients, injection behavior was the only determinant of nonadherence behavior. For opiate-dependent patients, DMT may enhance adherence to HAART, but only if it is successful in reducing abuse of injection practices. For ex-IDUs, it is very important that the management of social difficulties be taken into account to increase adherence to HAART.

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) in HIV-infected patients: from a predictive to a dynamic approach

To-date, most socio-behavioural research about HTV-infected patients' adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) has been based on cross-sectional studies. The French APROCO cohort gave us the opportunity to conjointly analyse the relationships between short-term adherence to HAART and HIV-infected patients' characteristics before initiation of treatment on the one hand, factors related to patients' subjective experience with HAART on the other hand. At the fourth-month follow-up visit (M4) after first prescription of HAART (M0), 26.7% of our sample of 445 patients self-reported non-adherence behaviour. Some patients' characteristics at M0 (younger age, poor housing conditions, lack of social support, and problems of adherence with previous antiretroviral regimens) were related to non-adherence at M4 in multivariate analysis. Non-adherence at M4 was, however, also related to the evolutions that affected a number of factors between M0 and M4: levels of depression, symptoms associated with treatment side effects, perception of individual state of health, beliefs towards effectiveness and toxicity of HAART. increases in alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as contacts with other physicians than hospital HAART prescribers. Our prospective study brings additional evidence that even short-term non-adherence cannot be reliably predicted on the sole basis of a few a priori patient characteristics that clinicians could easily identify before initiation of HAART. It suggests that a dynamic approach to adherence, continuously monitoring the impact of experience with HAART on patients' daily lives, is needed for improving management of HIV/AIDS care.

Impact of adherence and highly active antiretroviral therapy on survival in HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence on survival in HIV-infected patients.

DESIGN

Cohort study at a single hospital in Barcelona, Spain.

METHODS

Data on HIV-infected patients older than 18 years of age who began ART during the period 1990 to 1999 were analyzed. Patients were considered nonadherent if the total dose of antiretroviral drug was less than 90% of that prescribed. Adherence was assessed through self-report and hospital pharmacy appointments. Cox regression with time-dependent variables was used.

RESULTS

A total of 1219 patients were included. The first ART was with monotherapy in 23.7% of cases, with two drugs in 30.5%, and with triple therapy in 45.8%. In multivariate analysis, the variables that presented significant differences with respect to mortality were clinical stage at the beginning of treatment (AIDS: relative hazard (RH) = 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.14-4.13), CD4 cell count (<200 cells/microL: RH = 5.89; CI: 3.44-10.10), type of treatment (monotherapy: RH = 9.76; CI: 4.56-20.90; bi-therapy: RH = 9.12; CI: 4.23-19.64), and adherence (nonadherence: RH = 3.87; CI: 1.77-8.46).

CONCLUSIONS

The modifiable factors most strongly associated with survival were type of treatment and adherence. It would be desirable to accompany therapy with intervention strategies intended to improve adherence.

The dynamic of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy: results from the French National APROCO cohort

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to describe the evolution of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) over a 20-month period and its relationship with virologic success.

METHODS

Self-reported adherence, clinical, and virologic data were collected 4 (M4), 12 (M12), and 20 (M20) months after initiation of a protease inhibitor-containing regimen in the French APROCO cohort. At each visit, patients were classified as nonadherent, moderately, or highly adherent, and HIV plasma RNA was determined.

RESULTS

Among the 762 patients who were regularly followed until M20, the 436 patients who answered to all questionnaires, including adherence measurement, were selected for the analysis. The proportion of highly adherent patients was 55.7%, 62.2%, and 60.3% at M4, M12, and M20, respectively. A total of 137 patients (31.4%) was "always," 225 (51.6%) "sometimes," and 74 (17.0%) "never" "highly adherent" during follow-up. After multiple adjustment for known baseline predictors, virologic success after 20 months of HAART was more likely achieved in patients who were always (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.02 [1.64-5.58]) or sometimes (OR [95% CI], 2.15 [1.24-3.74]) "highly adherent."

CONCLUSION

Adherence behavior is a dynamic process. Continued adherence was associated with better response to therapy and should be encouraged to reduce the risk of virologic failure.