Adherence to antiviral therapy in HIV or HBV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND

Antiviral therapies in HIV and chronic HBV infection are lifelong and require strict adherence to medication to ensure therapeutic success.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to analyze adherence levels in HIV patients on antiretroviral regimen and in B-infected patients treated with nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 134 HIV-infected patients and 42 with chronic hepatitis B. The self-reported Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess the adherence to medication. We analyzed potential predictors of optimal adherence to the antiretroviral therapy.

RESULTS

Mean adherence levels according to MMAS-8 in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy was 6.64 (SD+/- 1.47) and was significant lower than in patients with chronic hepatitis B 7.48 (SD+/- 1.40) (p < 0.0001). However, adherence levels in HIV-infected patients treated with One-pill-Once a-day antiretroviral regimen were similar to patients with chronic hepatitis B (p>0.05). In univariante logistic regression alcohol abstinence, sexual route of HIV transmission, once daily dosing and reduced number of pills were significantly associated with high adherence. According to multivariante logistic regression analysis, only once-daily drug regimen was independent factor of high adherence (OR=2.89, p=0.038). Higher adherence had positive impact on the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of once-daily antiretroviral regimen has improved adherence that had beneficial effect on the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.