The role of Primary Care in long-term adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Abstract

The HAART pharmaceutical treatment for people living with HIV is vital to maintaining their health and extending their life. Treatment adherence is also an important factor in decreasing the risk of transmission to uninfected individuals. Long-term and strict adherence is imperative but at present statistics demonstrates inadequate rates of adherence. Primary care providers can contribute to the health of people living with HIV and the future eradication of this devastating disease by assessing for barriers to adherence to HAART. Inadequate or non-adherence can be attributed to many factors, but a review of literature regarding current treatment for HIV revealed four frequently encountered barriers: life stressors, alcohol abuse, cognitive function, and the relationship between the patient and healthcare provider.

This presentation is a review of an article prepared for submission to the journal Advance for Nurse Practitioners entitled The Role of Primary Care Providers in Long-term Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) including suggestions for identifying these barriers in the primary care setting.