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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
A randomized comparison of two instruments for measuring self-reported antiretroviral adherence
S Mannheimer1, L Thackeray, K Huppler Hullsiek
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Harlem Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA. sbm20@columbia.edu
Two self-report instruments effectively measure antiretroviral adherence in patients with drug-resistant HIV. Consistent adherence, regardless of measurement method, correlates with improved treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- HIV/AIDS Research
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Assessing patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing HIV/AIDS.
- Individuals with virologic failure and multidrug-resistant HIV present unique adherence challenges.
- Accurate adherence measurement tools are vital for optimizing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of two self-report instruments for measuring antiretroviral adherence.
- To evaluate the association between self-reported adherence and clinical outcomes in patients with advanced HIV.
- To determine the utility of day-by-day versus general recall adherence measures.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial compared a 3-day recall instrument with a 7-day general recall instrument for ART adherence.
- Adherence was assessed over 12 months in participants with virologic failure and drug-resistant HIV.
- Clinical outcomes (HIV RNA levels, CD4 counts) were measured at 12 months.
Main Results:
- Both 3-day and 7-day recall instruments demonstrated utility in measuring antiretroviral adherence.
- A trend favored the 3-day instrument for capturing 100% adherence (OR=1.45, p=0.06).
- Consistent 100% adherence decreased over time (p<0.001).
- Participants with >50% adherence showed significantly better virologic (p=0.02) and immunologic (p=0.04) outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Both the 3-day and 7-day recall instruments are useful for assessing antiretroviral adherence.
- Self-reported adherence is a significant predictor of virologic and immunologic outcomes in advanced HIV.
- Adherence measurement tools are essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness in complex HIV cases.
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