Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (HIV/AIDS): Factors Associated and Adherence Strategies

There is a universal tendency for a qualitative change on the clinical-laboratory approach of patients under treatment for HIV/AIDS. The antiretroviral therapy (ARVT) in Brazil, such as succeeded in industrialized countries of Northern Hemisphere which adopted universal access to this treatment, has brought benefits indicated by longer survival time and declines of AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. This article presents a literature review related to adherence to ARVT. Fifty-six articles were found related to the following categorized variables: socio-economic characteristics; vulnerability to HIV; utilization of health services; and ARVT. The main overall conclusion abstracted from the studies is the necessity of a continuum monitoring of patients. The initial treatment is critical and in order to create a bound with patients, it is necessary to focus on individual follow-up, social support and counseling about AIDS. Reference health services on HIV/AIDS have to closely monitor patients right after the beginning of HIV-treatment, in order to avoid potential barriers, to optimize good experiences, and to increment adherence to antiretrovirals.