ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH HIV/AIDS AT A COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER IN VIETNAM

Introduction: Non-adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications is a common issue worldwide and in Vietnam. Purpose: To assess patients’ adherence to ARV medications and to determine factors associated with adherence among patients with HIV/AIDS in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 outpatients being on ARV therapy at a community medical center in HCMC from 15th March to 20th June in 2020. We invited patients aged 18 or above who have been on ARV treatment for at least 6 months to participate in the study. Data was collected through patient interviews and medical records. Medication adherence was assessed regarding timing of medication administration and dosing adherence using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8-item Questionnaire (MMAS-8). Factors associated with optimal adherence were identified by multivariable logistic regression model. Results: The median age of 360 patients was 38 (33 - 43), 72.5% were male. The proportion of optimally adherent patients was 56.4%. Factors associated with better adherence were increased age, stronger belief in medications, and adherence aids use. Factors associated with poorer adherence were alcohol consumption in the previous 30 days, concerns about side effects, twice-daily ARV therapy, and undesirable effects in the previous 3 months. Conclusion: Optimal adherence to ARV medications among HIV/AIDS patients was relatively limited. To improve medication adherence, health workers may need to simplify ARV regimens and counsel patients more intensively (especially for the younger) about the effectiveness of ARV medications, alcohol intake reduction and the use of adherence aids.