Profile of use of antiretroviral drugs by patients with HIV treated in Aracaju – SE, Brazil

Resumo

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a serious public health problem and face problems related to lack of adherence to treatment. (a) Objectives: the aim of the study was to identify the profile of antiretroviral adherence to pharmacotherapy for patients with HIV/AIDS. (b) Material and Methods:  we carried out a cross-sectional study from April to July 2009, at the Center of Medical Specialties Aracaju in Sergipe. Data were collected through interviews with a convenient sample consisting of 206 patients with HIV/AIDS who sought the service of Pharmacy Program of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. The semi-structured instrument used to assess socio-demographic characteristics and variables that characterize treatment adherence. The measure of adherence was performed by self-report (interview), defined as the criterion of three authors: Jordan (2000), Morisky-Green-Levine (1986) and Haynes-Sackett (1981). (c) Results:  47.1% of patients interviewed were living in the interior of Sergipe and there was a lower rate of AIDS among patients over 12 years of study. About half of the respondents did not work. Many patients said they had never stopped taking the medication because of social commitments (69.9%). However, only 29.9% stopped using medication due to impairment in their routine. Over 80% of respondents feel better since they started treatment. (d) Conclusions: the data show that treatment adherence is compromised by factors inherent to the patients and the complexity of antiretroviral pharmacotherapy. Strategies such as the monitoring of pharmacotherapy may be crucial for optimizing adherence and promote rational use of medicines.