Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-Infected/AIDS in Phayakkhaphum Phisai Hospital

Abstract

Abstract

            Objectives: To assess antiretroviral adherence in HIV/AIDS patients and study the relationship between antiretroviral adherence, CD4 cell count, and opportunistic infections.
            Method: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on a sample group receiving services at the HIV/AIDS Special Clinic, Phayakkhaphum Phisai Hospital, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, totaling 124 individuals. Data collection tools included interview record forms.

            Results: The level of adherence to medication intake was high at 83.1%, moderate at 12.1%, and low at 4.8%, respectively. The research also found a relationship between the level of medication adherence and the number of CD4 cells (P-value=<0.001) and opportunistic infections (P-value = <0.001).

            Conclusions: The study found a relationship between the level of adherence to antiretroviral drugs and CD4 cell count, as well as the likelihood of opportunistic infections. This can be used as a guideline for developing counseling approaches to ensure patients adhere to antiretroviral drugs correctly, consistently, and regularly, as well as increasing awareness of the importance of medication adherence.

Keywords : ART adherence, HIV/AIDS patients, antiretroviral drugs, CD4 cell count, opportunistic       infections, viral load