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Adherence to treatment in Swedish HIV‐infected patients
Author(s) -
Södergård B.,
Halvarsson M.,
Tully M. P.,
Mindouri S.,
Nordström M.L.,
Lindbäck S.,
Sönnerborg A.,
Lindblad Å. K.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2006.00782.x
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , intensive care medicine , family medicine
Summary Objectives: The objectives were to assess the prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Swedish human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients and to evaluate factors associated with adherence. Methods: All HIV‐treated patients, who attended one of 30 (of a total of 32) Swedish infectious diseases clinics, during 7 months, were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire containing the 9‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and questions about other factors potentially affecting adherence. The summary score of MMAS ranges from 1 to 13, where 13 indicates perfect adherence; patients scoring 11 or above (corresponding to 95% adherence level) were classified as ‘adherent’. Results and discussion: In total 946 patients participated (response rate 97·5%). The proportion of patients who reported not missing a dose during the day prior to the completion of the questionnaire was 97% and the proportion classified as ‘adherent’ was 63%. ‘Adherent’ patients were more likely to have a good relationship with their health care professionals ( P < 0·05) and not have problems with drugs or alcohol ( P < 0·01). Being older ( P < 0·01) and having a shorter time on current treatment ( P < 0·01) and on treatment in total ( P < 0·05) were factors also associated with good adherence. Conclusion: Factors modifiable for interventions by health care professionals are patient–provider relationship, drug or alcohol problems and patients with long treatment periods.