Tipos de problemas de adherencia entre las personas con VIH y tendencias emergentes en la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR)resultados de un estudio cualitativo

Resumen

Introduction Treatment adherence and compliance are highly influential on HIV prognosis. Numerous studies have been recently conducted to identify factors predicting highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) adherence and strategies to improve compliance. However, few studies have investigated non-adherence trends and patients' views on compliance. Additionally, little information is available on the evolution of adherence problems and non-compliance trends. Aims The aims of this study are 1) to clarify the different types of adherence problems faced by HIV+ subjects and the trends according to the patients' profile, 2) to investigate the views of HIV+ subjects on treatment adherence, 3) to investigate the changes on adherence problems, and to identify the emerging trends of non-compliance. The ultimate goal is to improve the knowledge on HAART non-adherence and contribute to future solutions. Methods Qualitative study conducted in several Spanish cities from October 2010 to March 2011. Nine discussion groups and 30 thorough interviews were conducted on HIV+ subjects of different ages and treatment durations. A sociological analysis was conducted with the collected information. Results The different adherence problems and views are extracted from the data collected in meetings and interviews with HIV+ subjects. Additionally, emergent HAART adherence trends are discussed. Conclusions The results of the study show a changing pattern on the views surrounding HAART and treatment adherence. These changes are mainly observed in young men who have sex with men and immigrants. These results illustrate the differences with respect to treatment adherence between two clearly separate groups of patients that require different and specific strategies to improve compliance.