It is known that adherence to treatment (adherence) is a dynamic indicator and can change significantly during treatment. However, there is limited evidence of factors affecting adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV-infected patients, both men and women.

The aim of the study by M. Lazo et al. (USA), was the identification of the above factors. The work included data from 640 male patients and 1304 female patients, who were followed up in two prospective cohort studies, from 1999 to 2004. The evaluation of adherence to treatment was carried out twice a year. Full compliance with the HAART regimen prescribed by male patients in the past 4 days and female patients in the past 3 days was considered 100% compliance. Analysis of the data obtained and identification of the factors influencing the degree of adherence to treatment were carried out using logistic regression models.

A total of 2,803 pairs of male patient visits and 5,972 pairs of female patient visits were analyzed. According to the results obtained for the period from 1998 to 2003, the frequency of detection of adherence to 100% in men with white skin increased from 91% to 80%, respectively. Among African American women and men, this indicator remained lower over the study period (75% and 77% on average, respectively; p greater than 0.6). In the two cohorts, the frequency of detection of HIV symptoms was independently associated with a decrease in adherence (odds ratio (OR) 1.38 in men and 1.48 in women). Depression in men (OS 1.44) and alcohol consumption in women (OS 1.81 for people who abuse alcohol, 1.52 for people who drink alcohol in expressed / moderate amounts , and 1.29 for people who drink alcohol in small quantities (quantities) were predictors for reducing compliance. In addition, a negative relationship was found between increased adherence to treatment and drug use by patients of both sexes (OR 0.61 for men and 0.58 for women), as well as alcohol abuse in women (OR 0.41).

The results of the study confirmed that adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a dynamic indicator. The identification of a number of modifiable factors that influence compliance has allowed researchers to conclude that it is possible to have a targeted effect on this indicator.