Multiple validated measures of adherence indicate high levels of adherence to generic HIV antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting

Jessica H. Oyugi, Jayne Byakika-Tusiime, Edwin D. Charlebois, Cissy Kityo, Roy Mugerwa, Peter Mugyenyi, David R. Bangsberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

244 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: There are no validated measures of adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy in resource-poor settings. Such measures are essential to understand the unique barriers to adherence as access to HIV antiretroviral therapy expands. Methods: We assessed correspondence between multiple measures of adherence and viral load suppression in 34 patients purchasing generic Triomune antiretroviral therapy (coformulated stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine; CIPLA, Ltd., Mumbai, India) in Kampala, Uganda. Measures included 3-day patient self-report, 30-day visual analog scale, electronic medication monitoring, and unannounced home pill count. HIV-1 load was determined at baseline and 12 weeks. Results: Mean adherence was 91%-94% by all measures. Seventy-six percent of subjects had a viral load of <400 copies/mL at 12 weeks. All measures were closely correlated with each other (R = 0.77-0.89). Each measure was also significantly associated with 12-week HIV load. There was no significant difference between patient-reported and objective measures of adherence. Conclusions: This sample of patients purchasing generic HIV antiretroviral therapy has among the highest measured adherence reported to date. Patient-reported measures were closely associated with objective measures. The relative ease of administration of the 30-day visual analog scale suggests that this may be the preferred method to assess adherence in resource-poor settings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1100-1102
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Volume36
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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