HIV treatment adherence and sexual functioning

Abstract

To our knowledge, no studies have considered the bidirectional relationship between HIV infected patients' social/sexual lives and HAART adherence. To determine it's potential impact the study sample consisted of 135 men starting HAART and being followed for 6 months. Twenty percent of men enrolled in the study self-reported non-adherence. Non-adherent patients reported a greater number and severity of adverse effects such as gastrointestinal and body changes. All participants were aware of these risks, requested support, and were advised by the health care providers. As many as 26% of the HIV infected men, at the second visit, reported sexual dysfunction and none received information regarding the possibility of this side effect. Of importance, patients reporting sexual dysfunction, were more likely to report not being fully adherent to the medication (RR=2.46 95% CI 1.3-4.7; P=0.04). Of most concern, none of the men reported looking for medical advice.