Predictive Validity of an Antiretroviral Adherence Index
Author Information
Author(s): Mathews William C, Barker Eva, Winter Erica, Ballard Craig, Colwell Bradford, May Susanne
Primary Institution: UCSD Owen Clinic, UCSD Medical Center
Hypothesis
The study aims to validate the longitudinal use of the Owen Clinic adherence index in predicting virologic suppression in patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Conclusion
A brief, longitudinally administered self-report adherence instrument predicted both initial virologic suppression and maintenance of suppression in patients using contemporary ARV regimens.
Supporting Evidence
- 217 patients (78%) achieved an undetectable plasma viral load at median 63 days.
- 8.3% of patients experienced viral rebound after initial suppression.
- Adherence scores varied from 0 to 25, with a mean of 1.06.
Takeaway
Researchers created a simple questionnaire to help doctors see if patients are taking their HIV medicine correctly, and it worked well to predict if their treatment was successful.
Methodology
A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted including all HIV-infected adults under care at the UCSD Owen Clinic between January 2003 and June 2006.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may affect the accuracy of self-reported adherence scores.
Limitations
The observational nature of the data and the potential for social desirability bias in self-reported adherence scores.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly male (88%), middle-aged (median 39 years), mostly men having sex with men (64%), and 60% treatment naive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.19–0.69
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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