Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (Oct 2023)
Factors associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment in HIV-positive patients
Abstract
Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus infection represents a public health public problem in the world. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is necessary to achieve a state of maximum viral suppression and decrease the rate of opportunistic infections. However, there are several factors that can influence therapeutic adherence. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: A study with an observational, analytical, case-control type design was used. The sample size was 276, from which 138 were cases and 138 controls. The collected data was analyzed using methods of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: The multivariate analysis determined a statistically significant association between the variable adherence to antiretroviral treatment and the variables depression (adjusted Odds Ratio -OR-= 2.15), alternative antiretroviral therapy scheme (adjusted OR= 2.40), side effects (adjusted OR= 4.24), and change in adherence during the state of emergency (adjusted OR= 5.67) independently of the other intervening variables. Conclusions: Depression, the use of alternative antiretroviral therapy regimens, the presence of side effects to antiretroviral therapy, and the change in adherence during the state of emergency increase the risk of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy.