Developing a self-administered tool to predict adherence to antiretroviral therapy: design, method, and objectives

Noncompliance to current antiretroviral therapy may be one of the greatest public health challenges associated with the management of HIV/AIDS. The public health consequences extend beyond an individual's health decisions, judgements, and responsibilities to include societal concerns and ethical considerations. Understanding the predictors of compliance and noncompliance to current antiretroviral therapies, and identifying individuals according to their expected compliance outcomes are important aspects associated with the successful management of HIV-infected individuals. The stepwise methodological approach utilized to develop the self-administered survey instrument predictive of compliance to complex antiretroviral drugs regimens and adherence to other medical recommendations is reported, and the implications discussed.