The problem of antiretroviral adherence: A self-regulatory model for intervention

• Published in: AIDS care Vol. 15; no. 1; pp. 117 - 124
• Main Author: Reynolds, N. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01-02-2003; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Affect; AIDS/HIV; Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use; Antiretroviral therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Cognition; Compliance; Depression - psychology; Drug therapy; General populations; HIV; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Intervention; Medical sciences; Medications; Models, Psychological; Patient Compliance - psychology; Patient Education as Topic - methods; Prevention and actions; Professional-Patient Relations; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Self Concept; Selfregulation models; Social Control, Informal; Social Support; Treatment Compliance; USA; United States; North America; America; Human; Immunopathology; Sanitary program; AIDS; Immune deficiency; Infection; Chemotherapy; Theoretical model; Treatment; Viral disease; Antiviral; Self regulation; Treatment compliance; Public health
• ISSN: 0954-0121; 1360-0451
• DOI: 10.1080/0954012021000039815

Controlled trials that determine which interventions can significantly improve adherence to combination antiretroviral regimens are urgently needed. Rates of adherence to the regimens are often sub-optimal, and while a variety of factors that are predictive or associated with antiretroviral adherence have been identified, few research findings are reported of interventions that effectively promote adherence and improve health outcomes. Further, the mechanisms by which interventions promote antiretroviral adherence are not well understood. Maximizing adherence and achieving the full potential of the antiretroviral therapies demand multidimensional initiatives that address complex behavioural and biomedical issues. A model drawn from self-regulation theory and empirical data to explain antiretroviral medication adherence is proposed.