Perceived burden in adherence of antiretroviral treatment in rural China

Abstract

To determine the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence and explore the correlated factors of perceived burden of taking antiretroviral medications among people living with HIV (PLH) in a rural area of China. Data were collected from 66 PLH who were currently receiving antiretroviral treatment. Face-to-face interviews were conducted during August to October, 2009. Approximately 18.2% of participants failed to adhere to antiretroviral treatment in the previous 30 days. A majority of PLH reported that taking antiretroviral medications posed a burden to them. Those who perceived a higher level of burden were more likely to be women, to have lower annual income, and to report a high level of depressive symptoms, poor physical health, and strained family interactions. Findings suggest that future programs in promoting adherence to antiretroviral treatment should address issues related to psychosocial well-being and PLH's interactions with their family members.

Keywords:

• HIV
• antiretroviral treatment
• burden
• medication adherence
• China

Acknowledgements

This paper was completed with the support of the National Institute of Mental Health (grant number R01MH080606-2). We would like to thank the project team members in China for their support and contributions to this study. All authors verify that their affiliations or financial involvement with any organization does not pose any conflict of interest with publishing the paper.