The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46617

Geeta K. Sreedharan, MD, MPH, Program Design and Evaluation Services, Multnomah County Health Dept, 426 SW Stark St, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97204, 503-988-3056, Geeta.K.Sreedharan@co.multnomah.or.us, Jeffrey D. Capizzi, ABD, Multnomah County Health Department, 426 S.W. Stark St., Portland, OR 97204, John A. Dougherty, PhD, Program Design and Evaluation Services, Multnomah County Health Department, Oregon, 426 SW Stark Street, 6th Floor, Portland, OR 97204, and Donna J. Cassidy, BSN, HIV Health Services Center, Multnomah County Health Dept, 426 SW Stark St, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97204.

Abstract text: Background: As part of a SPNS multi-site adherence support evaluation, monthly surveys were administered to 160 clients involved in the adherence support program at the Multnomah County Health Dept.'s HIV Health Services Center. In addition to information on adherence rates, clients were asked about their reasons for discontinuing use and strategies that supported anti-retroviral treatment adherence. The data collected spans a 16-month period. Results: The tools that were significantly reported by clients to facilitate their adherence included the use of a pillbox, a regular daily schedule of activities, and a personal experience of treatment effectiveness. An understanding of and the belief in the importance of treatment adherence and the commitment to maintaining health and avoiding symptoms also positively influenced clients' motivation to adhere. The major factors found to correlate with adherence difficulty include failing to "remember" to take medication, being away from home without medication, and a change in routine. Adherence was adversely affected by having different refill days for individual medications of the ART regimen, busy schedules, and active alcohol/drug use. Conclusion: The adherence support interventions suggested by clients on ART regimens include facilitating daily structure in client's lives, memory aids, and exploration of beliefs about treatment. In addition, reducing the barriers to having medications readily and reliably available would enhance adherence.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the most frequent reasons survey respondents give for discontinuing HIV medication use and the strategies they find most helpful in maintaining adherence.

Keywords: Treatment Adherence, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.