Adherence to medication regimens among children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

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Abstract
Rigorous adherence to antiretroviral medication regimens is necessary to achieve and maintain undetectable viral levels. This study describes adherence in a population of children with HIV infection. Caregivers of HIV-infected children were interviewed about their experiences with administration of medications for treatment of HIV, opinions regarding medication-related issues and the potential usefulness of interventions to improve adherence. In the 90 caregiver interviews completed, 78% of the children were taking 3 or more medications, 17% missed a dose in the previous 24 h and 43% missed at least 1 dose in the previous week. Children whose caregivers reported no missed doses in the previous week (adherent) were more likely to have an HIV viral load vs. Caregivers’ perceptions that adherence is too difficult or concerns about loss of privacy may affect their ability to adhere to complicated medication regimens. Caregivers felt that the most helpful interventions would be modifications to improve the convenience and palatability of medications and increased access to medical advice.