Análisis de las causas de suspensión del régimen antirretroviral simplificado abacavir, lamivudina y zidovudina

Sex differences in adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy: a meta-analysis

Observational studies have found that women tend to have lower adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) than men do, though no meta-analysis has yet investigated this trend. The aims of the current meta-analysis are to determine if and to what degree the percentage of men versus women maintaining ≥90% adherence to prescribed HAART differs, and if the external variables moderating adherence differs by gender. Eight electronic databases were searched to locate all relevant studies available by May 2011. Fifty-six observational studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A random effect model was assumed for the global percentage estimation and to explain the heterogeneity. Across these studies, the difference between men and women in the proportion of individuals with ≥90% adherence to HAART was marginally significant (p<0.1; 67% and 62%, respectively). A greater proportion of men maintaining ≥90% adherence to HAART was more likely in studies with higher proportions of men who have sex with men (MSM), lower proportions of male alcohol users or lower proportions of men in a methadone program. In women, higher rates of adherence were found in studies conducted in Africa, Asia, and South America, when the sample included more widows or when the sample had a lower basal CD4 count. That both the percentage of adherent individuals and the variables associated with such adherence differ between men and women are suggestive of the need for improving gender-tailored interventions for adherence to HAART.

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis synthesizes eighty-four observational studies, conducted across twenty countries, to determine the mean proportion of people who reported ≥90% adherence to prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to identify the factors associated with high levels of adherence. Eight electronic databases were searched to locate all relevant studies available by January 2010, which were then coded for sample characteristics and adherence levels. The average rate of reporting ≥90% adherent HAART adherence is 62%. However, this proportion varies greatly across studies. In particular, a greater proportion of individuals maintaining ≥90% adherence to HAART is more likely in studies with higher proportions of men who have sex with men (MSM) and lower proportions of injection drug users (IDU), with participants in an earlier stage of infection, and in studies conducted in countries characterized by lower Human Development Index (HDI) scores.

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in Spain. A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the percentage of adherence to highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Spanish observational studies and to identify the variables associated with adherence.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were used to locate the studies. Six inclusion criteria were established. Two coders codified the variables independently. Intercoder reliability was calculated. Publication bias was analyzed through the Begg, Egger and Trim and Fill tests. Homogeneity was evaluated using the Q test and the l² index. A random effects model was assumed to estimate both the overall percentage of adherence and to explain heterogeneity.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 23 observational studies, yielding a total of 34 adherence estimates. The sample was composed of 9,931 HIV-positive individuals (72% men) older than 18 years under treatment with HAART. The percentage of patients adhering to an intake of >90% of the prescribed antiretroviral drugs was 55%. Wide heterogeneity was detected (I² =91.20; 95%CI: 88.75-93.13). Adherence was mainly measured using a single strategy (47.8%), the most widely used being self-report (48.7%). In the univariate analysis, the following factors were significant: infection stages A (β=0.68, p <0.001) and B (β=-0.56, p <0.01), viral loads >200 copies/ml (β=-0.41, p <0.05) and <200 (β=0.39, p <0.05), and university education (β=-0.66, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall percentage of adherence was 55%, although this value may be an overestimate. Adherence was associated with infection stage A and with a viral load of <200 copies/ml.

Adherence: a review of education, research, practice and policy in Spain

AIMS

To describe medication adherence education, practice, research and policy efforts carried out by pharmacists in Spain in the last decade.

METHODS

A literature review using Medline and Embase was conducted covering the last ten years. Additional pharmaceutical bibliographic sources in Spain were consulted to retrieve articles of interest from the last decade. Articles were included if a pharmacist was involved and if medication adherence was measured or there was any direct or indirect pharmacist intervention in monitoring and/or improving adherence. Articles focusing on the development of tools for adherence assessment were collected. Pre- and post-graduate pharmacy training programs were also reviewed through the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science website. Information regarding policy issues was gathered from the Spanish and Autonomous Communities of Education and Health Ministries websites.

RESULTS

Pharmacists receive no specific training focused on adherence. There is no specific government policies for pharmacists in Spain related to medication adherence regardless of their practice setting. A total of 24 research studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 involved pharmacist intervention in monitoring and/or improving adherence and 14 assessed only adherence. Ten studies involved hospital pharmacists working in collaboration with another healthcare professional.

CONCLUSIONS

At present in Spain, the investigative role of the pharmacist is not well developed in the area of medication adherence. Adherence improvement services provided to patients by pharmacists are not implemented in a systematic way. However, recent efforts to implement new initiatives in this area may provide the basis for offering new cognitive services aimed at improving patient adherence in the near future.