[Adherence to treatment for HIV/AIDS: beyond the uptake of antiretrovirals]

Objective To describe adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in HIV/Aids diagnosed patients from Cali, Colombia, and its relation to socio-demographic factors. Material and Methods Observational cross-sectional study, with a sample of 277 HIV/AIDS diagnosed patients from nine health care centers. The Adherence to Treatment for HIV/AIDS Questionnaire was used as a measurement tool. Results 37 % of patients were adherent to non-pharmacological treatment. The analysis of the socio-demographic related factors shows that patients with less opportunity to adhere to non-pharmacological treatment were those younger than 40 years. Conclusions Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was low and seems to be a generalized problem in HIV/Aids population, being lower in people younger than 40 years. Results show the need to conduct interventions aimed at improving non-pharmacological adherence, in order to contribute to infection control. Interventions should be implemented in all the diagnosed patients, with special emphasis on youth.