A cross-sectional study of the factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults with human immunodeficiency virus infection in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India.

Context: Combating human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic has been possible due to advances in prevention strategies and Antiretroviral therapy (ART). Optimal adherence to ART is a major factor in achieving the desired immunological, virological, and patient well-being outcomes. Several socio-demographic, patient, treatment, and health-care system-related factors influence nonadherent behavior to ART.

Aims: This study was planned to assess (1) ART adherence level, (2) factors and reasons associated with nonadherence, and (3) impact of suboptimal adherence on treatment outcomes.

Settings and design: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 300 patients in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India.

Methods: Random sampling was used to collect data from patient treatment cards and a predesigned structured questionnaire. The pill count method was used to calculate adherence level.

Statistical analysis used: Nonadherence was chosen as a dependent variable and factors affecting adherence were chosen as independent variables. Test for significance was carried out by Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

Results: Optimal adherence was seen in 68.3%. Factors significantly associated with nonadherence were lower education level, high prior CD4 count, irregular follow-up, missing doses in the past, and being late for pharmacy pill refills. Adherence was positively associated with mean increase in CD4 count over 6 months.

Conclusions: In our study, the adherence rate is suboptimal which can lead to failure of ART. Nonadherence was associated with a decrease in CD4 count overtime. Most of the factors significantly affecting ART adherence were patient behavior related. These factors can be used for target intervention during reinforcement adherence counseling.