Bijker R et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2017, 20:21218 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/21218 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.20.1.21218
Research article
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia: a comparative analysis of two regional cohorts Rimke Bijker1, Awachana Jiamsakul2, Cissy Kityo3, Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul4, Margaret Siwale5, Praphan Phanuphak6, Sulaimon Akanmu7, Romanee Chaiwarith8, Ferdinand W Wit1, Benedict LH Sim9, Tamara Sonia Boender1§, Rossana Ditangco10, Tobias F Rinke De Wit1, Annette H Sohn11 and Raph L Hamers1,12 § Corresponding author: Tamara Sonia Boender, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development and Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (
[email protected])
Abstract Introduction: Our understanding of how to achieve optimal long-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in settings where the burden of HIV disease is highest remains limited. We compared levels and determinants of adherence over time between HIV-positive persons receiving ART who were enrolled in a bi-regional cohort in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Methods: This multicentre prospective study of adults starting first-line ART assessed patient-reported adherence at followup clinic visits using a 30-day visual analogue scale. Determinants of suboptimal adherence (
