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. 2017 Feb;51(1):67-78.
doi: 10.1007/s12160-016-9827-3.

Barriers to HIV Medication Adherence as a Function of Regimen Simplification

Yiyun Chen  1 , Kun Chen  2 , Seth C Kalichman  3
Affiliations

Barriers to HIV Medication Adherence as a Function of Regimen Simplification

Yiyun Chen et al. Ann Behav Med. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Barriers to HIV medication adherence may differ by levels of dosing schedules.

Purpose: The current study examined adherence barriers associated with medication regimen complexity and simplification.

Methods: A total of 755 people living with HIV currently taking anti-retroviral therapy were recruited from community services in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants completed audio-computer-assisted self-interviews that assessed demographic and behavioral characteristics, provided their HIV viral load obtained from their health care provider, and completed unannounced phone-based pill counts to monitor medication adherence over 1 month.

Results: Participants taking a single-tablet regimen (STR) were more likely to be adherent than those taking multi-tablets in a single-dose regimen (single-dose MTR) and those taking multi-tablets in a multi-dose regimen (multi-dose MTR), with no difference between the latter two. Regarding barriers to adherence, individuals taking STR were least likely to report scheduling issues and confusion as reasons for missing doses, but they were equally likely to report multiple lifestyle and logistical barriers to adherence.

Conclusions: Adherence interventions may need tailoring to address barriers that are specific to dosing regimens.

Keywords: HIV treatment; Health disparities; Medication adherence.

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Conflict of interest statement

and Ethical Adherence The authors claim no conflict of interests or competing interests. All research procedures were approved by the University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board and adhered to the ethical guidelines for human participants research set forth by the American Psychological Association.

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