Abstract
Background: Little is known about patients' health literacy regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and drug resistance and patient-provider communication about these topics. Design and Methods: The AIDS Treatment for Life International Survey was a multicountry cross-sectional study (January-March 2010) including 2035 HIV-infected adults. A 40-minute interview was conducted using a standardized self-report adherence questionnaire. Results: Overall, 57% of patients reported a 30-day recall of 100% adherence (Latin America: 89%; Africa: 73% vs North America: 45% and Asia Pacific: 47%; P <.01). Overall, 18% identified HIV drug resistance as a "good thing" in North America (35%) and Africa (24%). Only 71% said their health care providers had offered practical recommendations about adherence, 62% of the patients in North America and 80% in Latin America and Africa. Conclusions: Optimal ART adherence remains a challenge globally. There is a critical need to improve patient-provider communication about the importance of ART adherence and its benefits for patient's health.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 128-133 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HIV
- adherence
- antiretroviral therapy
- communication
- drug resistance
- patient-physician
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases