Factors that Influence Adherence to HIV Medications: Perceptions of Women and Health Care Providers

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore factors that influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Antiretroviral medications that reduce viral count and prolong the time between a diagnosis of HIV disease and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are expensive, numerous, and have multiple side effects. Common reasons for not adhering to the medication regimen include ART side effects and a dosage schedule that disrupts daily activities. Failure to take or errors in taking ART can result in an exacerbation of symptoms and disease progression or the development of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Women and providers in separate focus groups identified factors that facilitated and hindered adherence to ART. Knowledge of factors that influence adherence to ART will facilitate the development of interventions. Patient-provider relationships and side effects of weight gain are discussed as factors that influence adherence to ART.