[Impact of demographic and psychosocial factors on adherence to antiretroviral treatment].

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Antiretroviral efficacy is closely related to the degree of adherence. The aim of this study is to assess the association between psychosocial and demographic variables and adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 320 patients under antiretroviral treatment was conducted in four Andalusian hospitals, using a semi-structured questionnaire given by health care professionals.

RESULTS

Median age was 39.7 years. Nearly 12% of the sample was considered non-compliant to antiretroviral treatment. An interaction was observed between psychological morbidity and mental health quality of life scores. Among patients who presented psychological morbidity, a higher mental quality of life score was associated with a lower risk of non-compliance (P = 0.04). This association was not found among patients without psychological morbidity. Older age, homosexual or bisexual status and the use of injecting drugs for a shorter period of time was associated with non-compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and psychological factors have an influence on adherence to antiretroviral treatment.