Access to adequate nutrition is a major potential obstacle to antiretroviral adherence among HIV-infected individuals in Rwanda

Abstract

Despite the massive expansion of antiretroviral drugs in Africa, little is known about the resulting changes in sexual behavior or obstacles to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Our evaluation of Rwandan adults on ART found no increase in risky sexual behaviors, but an obstacle to ART initiation and adherence for 76% of patients was a fear of developing too much appetite without enough to eat. Access to adequate nutrition may be a major determinant for long-term adherence to ART.