ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN WOMEN: INFLUENCE OF THE CLINICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFILE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze adherence to  Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among women living with HIV from a clinical and behavioral health profile. Material and Methods: Epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of women living with HIV, who are assisted by the Specialized HIV Care Services (SAEs) in five municipalities located in the I Regional Health Management Center (GERES) of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The sampling of the study was carried out through a non-probabilistic method (random drawing) in order to reach a representation of 30% of the total number of services enrolled in the I GERES. The sample was also set up using a non-probabilistic method by convenience, so 184 women living with HIV were part of the study. Data collection occurred between June and August 2018. The Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Adhesión al Tratamiento Antirretroviral (CEAT-VIH) was used to measure the adherence of the participants. Results: The group that falls in the incomplete/complete higher education level has 1.69 times more prevalence of adherence to ART, non-sexually active women present 103 % chances for good adherence; and those whose medical record does not contain information on abandonment of ART: 94%. Conclusion: Considering the current challenges associated with adherence to ART, there is a clear need to develop social strategies aimed at women living with HIV in order to promote better quality of life for this population.