ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING AMBULATORY CARE

Abstract

Introduction: High rates of compliance to AIDS drug therapy are a key to achieve successful clinical outcomes for this disease. Objective: To assess the degree of compliance to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among patients undergoing ambulatory care. Material and Methods: This was an exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 152 people diagnosed with AIDS in a public referral hospital in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Data collection was made possible through the application of two questionnaires with questions aimed at the proposed objective. The chi-square test and the means difference test were used for data analysis. Results: 58.33% of the interviewees were male; 75.39% earned from one and three minimum wages; and with respect to therapy compliance, 75.66% showed good compliance. As to the association between compliance rates and sociodemographic variables, a larger sample could indicate that higher income acts as a facilitator to better compliance. Conclusion: The predominance of males among the participants in this study and the influence of family income on treatment compliance lead us to suggest an intensified care for these groups focusing on a satisfactory compliance. DESCRIPTORS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Medication Adherence. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Antiretroviral Therapy Highly Active.