Risk Factors for Non-Adherence and Loss to Follow-Up in a Three-Year Clinical Trial in Botswana
2011

Understanding Non-Adherence in a Botswana Clinical Trial

Sample size: 1995 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gust Deborah A., Mosimaneotsile Barudi, Mathebula Unami, Chingapane Balladiah, Gaul Zaneta, Pals Sherri L., Samandari Taraz, Tyagi Anil Kumar

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Hypothesis

What factors contribute to non-adherence and loss to follow-up in a clinical trial among HIV-infected adults in Botswana?

Conclusion

Men had higher odds of non-adherence and loss to follow-up than women.

Supporting Evidence

  • Men had higher odds of being non-adherent and lost to follow-up.
  • Non-adherent participants reported difficulties with the regimen.
  • Younger age was associated with non-adherence.
  • Competing commitments and side effects were common reasons for stopping medication.

Takeaway

In a study about HIV treatment in Botswana, it was found that men were more likely to stop taking their medicine or miss appointments than women.

Methodology

The study involved a 3-year clinical trial with 1995 participants, using surveys and logistic regression to analyze factors associated with non-adherence and loss to follow-up.

Potential Biases

Self-reported responses may lead to reporting bias.

Limitations

The study was cross-sectional, self-reported data may introduce bias, and not all relevant variables may have been captured.

Participant Demographics

Participants were HIV-infected adults, with a higher proportion of men and a mean age of 37 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95%CI 1.24–4.04 for non-adherence; 95%CI 1.50–6.33 for loss to follow-up

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0018435

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