Response to pharmacological and clinical compliance monitoring of HIV-exposed children

Abstract

Objective: To establish the degree of pharmacological and clinical compliance of family caregivers of HIV-exposed children as well as the sociodemographic factors associated with care performance. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with 40 caregivers of children exposed to HIV and under specialized care service. The Ability Assessment Scale for the Care of HIV-exposed Children was used. Data were analyzed according to descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis using the Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Caregivers’ high ability for drug administration and clinical monitoring of HIV-exposed children was verified. There was a statistically significant difference between the care ability and infants’ age. In the group with high care ability, there was a higher prevalence of young mothers with partners, unemployed, high school equivalent education, living with four to seven people, and receiving family support. Conclusion: Health services should consider sociodemographic factors and family support in the follow-up of HIV-exposed children by developing an expanded care plan and longitudinal interventions aimed at monitoring the ability of family caregivers to provide medication and clinical follow-up for children. Incorporating these strategies will contribute to improve pharmacological and clinical adherence of HIV-exposed children and to enhance the quality of health care.

Keywords

• Infectious Disease Vertical Transmission
• HIV
• Pediatric Nursing
• Caregivers
• Treatment Adherence and Compliance