A comparison study of multiple measures of adherence to HIV protease inhibitors

Antiretroviral therapy adherence among peripartum women with HIV in Kenya: an explanatory mixed methods study using dry blood spot measures and narrative interviews

ABSTRACTAdherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains sub-optimal among pregnant and postpartum women with HIV (PPWH) in high HIV prevalence low resource settings with few effective behavioral interventions. A large body of qualitative literature has established general barriers and facilitators to ART adherence in PPWH at various levels (individual, interpersonal, structural). However, research exploring the underlying behavioral mechanisms of ART adherence in PPWH with objectively verified adherence biomarkers is extremely limited. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with postpartum women in western Kenya who had linked ART drug concentrations obtained from three dried blood spot samples across the peripartum period. Among PPWH with a low drug concentration (n = 13) compared to those with continuously high drug concentrations (n = 11), distinct themes emerged related to HIV status disclosure, social support, interactions with the health system, and health beliefs. By combining ART biomarkers with patient reported challenges, there is the potential for real-time interventions to support sustained ART adherence among PPWH and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Trajectories of adherence to intravenous biological treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a longitudinal analysis

Background

Long-term biological therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include infliximab and vedolizumab, which are administered intravenously. Although highly effective, non-adherence to these biologics is common and is associated with adverse sequelae and loss of response.

Objective

In this study, we aim to characterize long-term intravenous biologic adherence trajectories among IBD patients and identify the factors linked with these trajectories.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of IBD patients over 2 years to assess their adherence to infliximab and vedolizumab. The date of infusion was determined based on medical and pharmacy records. Using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM), adherence trajectories were identified based on patients' 90-day coverage of days over time. The effect of relevant variables on adherence behavior was assessed using multinomial regression analysis.

Results

374 patients with IBD were included in the study, 68.2% males with a median age of 34.3 (IQR 28.0-44.4) years old. Three distinct adherence trajectories were identified for intravenous biologics: "consistent adherence" (n = 136, 36.4%), "slow decline" (n = 137, 36.6%) and "rapid decline" (n = 101, 27.0%). Compared with consistent adherence, concomitant use of aminosalicylates (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.34-9.05) was associated with a significantly greater risk of rapid decline. Conversely, being married at the initiation of biologics (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.95) and having been hospitalized within preceding years (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.88) appeared to have a protective effect against rapid decline. Additionally, being male (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32-1.01) was found to be protective against slow decline.

Conclusion

Distinct adherence patterns for infusion biologics among IBD patients have been identified, offering valuable insights to refine the design and timing of adherence interventions. However, only limited factors were found to be associated with specific adherence trajectories, revealing the complex nature of adherence behavior.

Exploring optimal HAART adherence rates in Ethiopian adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Optimal medication adherence is vital for the successful implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in managing HIV infection. Global efforts aim to minimize the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including HIV-associated drug resistance.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and searched multiple databases for eligible studies published until July 10, 2023. Eligible studies focused on Ethiopians receiving HAART, reported the prevalence of optimal adherence, and used appropriate assessment tools. Quality of included studies was assessed using JBI checklists A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence.

Results

Our meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of optimum Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) adherence among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia and explore variations based on assessment methods, recall periods, and regional factors. The estimated national pooled prevalence of optimal HAART adherence was 79% (95% CI: 74-83, I 2 = 98.1%; p-value < 0.001). Assessment methods revealed a prevalence of 64% (95% CI: 54-73) using structured assessment and 82% (95% CI: 78-86) with self-reporting. Optimum adherence varied based on recall periods, ranging from 78 to 85% with self-reporting. Heterogeneity analysis indicated substantial variation (I 2 = 98.1%; p-value < 0.001), addressed through subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and univariate meta-regression. Subgroup analysis based on region identified varying prevalence: SNNPR (83%), Oromia (81%), Amhara (79%), and Addis Ababa (74%). Considering the 2018 guideline revision, year-based subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 78% and 78% before and after 2018, respectively. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the stability of results, with excluded studies having a minimal impact. Publication bias analysis indicated an absence of bias, as evidenced by a non-significant Egger's regression test (p-value = 0.002) and no adjustment in trim and fill analysis.

Conclusions

The estimated overall prevalence of optimal adherence was 79%, indicating a substantial level of adherence to HAART in the Ethiopian context. The study identified variations in adherence levels based on assessment methods and recall periods, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in evaluating adherence rates. These insights contribute valuable information for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers working toward enhancing HAART adherence in Ethiopia.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=459679.

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of the Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD) Intervention for Black Women Living with HIV

Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) face adversities associated with lower HIV medication adherence, viral non-suppression, and mental health symptoms (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) such as trauma/violence, racism, HIV-related discrimination/stigma, and gender-related stressors. We developed the first intervention based in cognitive behavioral therapy and culturally congruent coping for BWLWH to increase medication adherence and decrease PTSD symptoms by enhancing resilience, self-care, engagement in care, and coping for trauma, racism, HIV-related discrimination/stigma, and gender-related stressors. A pilot randomized control trial was conducted with BWLWH and histories of trauma who were at risk for their HIV viral load remaining or becoming detectable (i.e., below 80% medication adherence, detectable viral load in the past year, and/or missed HIV-related appointments). 119 BWLWH were assessed at baseline and 70 met inclusion criteria, completed one session of Life-Steps adherence counseling, and were randomized to either nine sessions of STEP-AD (Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence) or ETAU (enhanced treatment as usual consisting of biweekly check-ins). Women completed a post intervention follow up assessment (3 months post baseline) and 3-month post intervention follow-up (6 months post baseline). Via STATA the difference-in-difference methodology with mixed models compared STEP-AD to ETAU on changes in outcomes over time. BWLWH in STEP-AD compared to E-TAU had significantly higher ART adherence (estimate = 9.36 p = 0.045) and lower likelihood of being clinically diagnosed with PTSD (OR = .07, estimate = - 2.66, p = 0.03) as well as borderline significance on higher CD4 count (estimate = 161.26, p = 0.05). Our findings suggest preliminary efficacy of STEP-AD in improving ART adherence, mental health, and immune function.

Is fear of disease progression associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence in persons with HIV/AIDS?

We examined the mediating role of depression and anxiety on the relationship between fear of disease progression (FoP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and the moderating role of social support in the FoP-depression/anxiety-ART adherence relationship in persons with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). 202 PWHA completed self-report measures. Simple mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed. FoP was directly and negatively associated with ART adherence, and the mediating role of depression in this relationship was significant. Indirect effect of FoP mediated by anxiety on ART adherence was not significant. The moderating effect of social support was significant in the FoP-depression pathway, while the indirect effect of FoP on ART adherence mediated by depression was greatest at a higher level of social support and lower level of FoP. The results suggest the relevance of high FoP and depression-mediated FoP in ART adherence and social support may attenuate the negative impact of FoP.

Mental health and cognition in relation to adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

There is a research gap in how mental health and cognition are associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Kazakhstan.

METHODS

We randomly selected and enrolled 230 PLWH from the Almaty City AIDS Center registry (June-November 2019) into a cross-sectional study. We examined associations between self-reported ART adherence for the last 1 and 2 weeks; the Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool [GAD-7]), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist [PTSD]); cognitive function (PROMIS v2.0 Adult Cognitive Function 8a short form) and forgetfulness (Forgetfulness Assessment Inventory). We used cut points of ≥5 for at least mild and ≥10 for at least moderate symptom severity for PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and of ≥44 for PTSD. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Participants' median age was 40.0 (IQR: 34-47) with 40.9% (n = 94) of females in the sample. Those who missed at least one pill for the last 2 weeks had higher odds of reporting at least mild depression (aOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.22-9.11, p < 0.05); mild anxiety (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.20-8.92, p < 0.05); and PTSD (aOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 1.15-14.21, p < 0.05) symptoms. Participants who missed at least one pill for the last week had higher odds of at least mild depression (aOR = 7.74, 95% CI: 1.31-45.7, p < 0.05), moderate anxiety (aOR = 21.33, 95% CI: 3.24-140.33, p < 0.005) and PTSD (aOR = 13.81, 95% CI: 2.36-80.84, p < 0.005) symptoms. Participants with better cognitive function had lower odds of non-adherence over the last week (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96, p < 0.005) and higher ASES scores (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.40, p < 0.005). Poor memory was associated with higher odds of non-adherence over the last week (aOR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.76-12.24, p < 0.005) and lower ASES score (β = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.45 to 0.16, p < 0.005). Those who had at least mild depression (β = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.07, p < 0.005); moderate anxiety (β = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.07, p < 0.005) and PTSD (β = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.05, p < 0.005) symptoms had lower ASES scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, poorer cognition, and forgetfulness were associated with poorer ART adherence and worse adherence self-efficacy. It is crucial to assess and treat mental illness and provide support for PLWH with worsened cognition to enhance ART adherence.

Associations between Missed Colonoscopy Appointments and Multiple Prior Adherence Behaviors in an Integrated Healthcare System: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Missed colonoscopy appointments delay screening and treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. Prior nonadherence with other care components may be associated with missed colonoscopy appointments.

OBJECTIVE

To assess variability in prior adherence behaviors and their association with missed colonoscopy appointments.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients scheduled for colonoscopy in an integrated healthcare system between January 2016 and December 2018.

MAIN MEASURES

Prior adherence behaviors included: any missed outpatient appointment in the previous year; any missed gastroenterology clinic or colonoscopy appointment in the previous 2 years; and not obtaining a bowel preparation kit pre-colonoscopy. Other sociodemographic, clinical, and system characteristics were included in a multivariable model to identify independent associations between prior adherence behaviors and missed colonoscopy appointments.

KEY RESULTS

The median age of the 57,590 participants was 61 years; 52.8% were female and 73.4% were white. Of 77,684 colonoscopy appointments, 3,237 (4.2%) were missed. Individuals who missed colonoscopy appointments were more likely to have missed a previous primary care appointment (62.5% vs. 38.4%), a prior gastroenterology appointment (18.4% vs. 4.7%) or not to have picked up a bowel preparation kit (42.4% vs. 17.2%), all p < 0.001. Correlations between the three adherence measures were weak (phi < 0.26). The rate of missed colonoscopy appointments increased from 1.8/100 among individuals who were adherent with all three prior care components to 24.6/100 among those who were nonadherent with all three care components. All adherence variables remained independently associated with nonadherence with colonoscopy in a multivariable model that included other covariates; adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were 1.6 (1.5-1.8) for outpatient appointments, 1.9 (1.7-2.1) for gastroenterology appointments, and 3.1 (2.9-3.4) for adherence with bowel preparation kits, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Three prior adherence behaviors were independently associated with missed colonoscopy appointments. Studies to predict adherence should use multiple, complementary measures of prior adherence when available.

Factors Associated with Nonadherence to Dietary Prescriptions among Hemodialysis Patients, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

The nonadherence of hemodialysis (HD) patients correlates with morbidity and mortality. Despite severe consequences, noncompliance with their medical regimen is the norm for HD patients rather than the exception. Factors associated with nonadherence to dietary restrictions among HD patients have been explored in many studies; however, most were in Western countries and there is a remarkable paucity of studies in Saudi Arabia. HD patients have several features that put them at an increased risk of nonadherence to dietary restrictions, including prolonged, intensive treatment, and their medical regimens are easily determined with objective measures. This crosssectional study aimed to determine factors related to nonadherence to dietary restrictions among 361 HD patients randomly selected from HD centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Individuals were assessed for adherence using the End-Stage Renal Disease - Adherence Questionnaire in addition to clinical examinations and laboratory investigations. Female patients were more likely to be nonadherent to dietary restrictions. Adherence to dietary restrictions was relatively higher among non-Saudi patients, older people, those who are married, those with university qualifications, those who are employed, and those with higher monthly incomes; nevertheless, these differences were not statistically significant. Despite the relatively higher frequency of adherence to dietary restrictions among patients with a duration of dialysis of <60 months, hypertensive patients, patients with a previous kidney transplant, and those with a previous history of psychiatric illnesses, these differences were not statistically significant. Patients with factors associated with nonadherence to dietary restrictions deserve special attention and support to improve their adherence.

Cognitive Performance, as well as Depression, Alcohol Use, and Gender, predict Anti-Retroviral Therapy Adherence in a South African Cohort of People with HIV and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder

Depression and cognitive impairment, which commonly coexist in people with HIV (PWH), have been identified as potential barriers to optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We investigated associations between cognitive performance, depression (as well as other sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric variables) and ART adherence in a South African cohort of PWH with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). Cognitive performance and ART adherence were assessed at two time points 8 months apart (Nbaseline = 105, Nfollow-up = 81). Adherence was indicated by self-report, objective measures (Wisepill usage and plasma tenofovir-diphosphate levels), and HIV viral suppression. Mixed-effects regression models examined associations across both time points. Univariate models detected no significant associations between cognitive performance (globally and within-domain) and ART adherence. Multivariate modelling showed increased depression severity (β = - 0.54, p < 0.001) and problematic alcohol use (β = 0.73, p = 0.015) were associated with worse adherence as measured subjectively. Being female (OR 0.27, p = 0.048) and having better global cognitive performance (OR 1.83, p = 0.043) were associated with better adherence as indicated by viral suppression. This study identifies poor global cognitive performance, as well as depression and problematic alcohol use, as potential barriers to optimal ART adherence in PWH and comorbid MDD. Hence, clinicians could consider assessing for cognitive deficits, depression, and problematic alcohol use, and should endeavour to provide the appropriate support so as to improve adherence.

Chlorhexidine and Mupirocin for Clearance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization After Hospital Discharge: A Secondary Analysis of the Changing Lives by Eradicating Antibiotic Resistance Trial

BACKGROUND

The CLEAR Trial demonstrated that a multisite body decolonization regimen reduced post-discharge infection and hospitalization in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers. Here, we describe decolonization efficacy.

METHODS

We performed a large, multicenter, randomized clinical trial of MRSA decolonization among adult patients after hospital discharge with MRSA infection or colonization. Participants were randomized 1:1 to either MRSA prevention education or education plus decolonization with topical chlorhexidine, oral chlorhexidine, and nasal mupirocin. Participants were swabbed in the nares, throat, axilla/groin, and wound (if applicable) at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after randomization. The primary outcomes of this study are follow-up colonization differences between groups.

RESULTS

Among 2121 participants, 1058 were randomized to decolonization. By 1 month, MRSA colonization was lower in the decolonization group compared with the education-only group (odds ration [OR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], .36-.54; P ≤ .001). A similar magnitude of reduction was seen in the nares (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, .27-.42; P < .001), throat (OR = 0.55; 95% CI, .42-.73; P < .001), and axilla/groin (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, .43-.75; P < .001). These differences persisted through month 9 except at the wound site, which had a relatively small sample size. Higher regimen adherence was associated with lower MRSA colonization (P ≤ .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized, clinical trial, a repeated post-discharge decolonization regimen for MRSA carriers reduced MRSA colonization overall and at multiple body sites. Higher treatment adherence was associated with greater reductions in MRSA colonization.

Lack of Harmonized Adherence Criteria in Allergen Immunotherapy Prevents Comparison of Dosing and Application Strategies: A Scoping Review

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves the application of increasing doses of allergen extract (as oral, sublingual, or subcutaneous immunotherapy) until immunologic tolerance is reached. Successful AIT relies on the consistent administration of allergen extract; therefore, adherence to these treatments is vital for compelling long-term results. Our review discusses the current terminology from adherence research in general, summarizes 25 current studies on adherence research in AIT in a scoping literature review, and delineates recommendations for tools and parameters for adherence research, aiming to improve outcomes in AIT. Almost every adherence study in AIT published to date used different tools, parameters, and data sources for measuring adherence and persistence rates. Unfortunately, an easily accessible, objective parameter or biomarker for monitoring treatment adherence and success has not yet been established for AIT. This situation calls for the development of an international core outcomes set for AIT that defines what is exactly meant by AIT adherence and how AIT adherence should be consistently measured. Therefore, we exemplarily present results and conclusions from adherence research in chronic diseases other than allergology. We aim to facilitate the development of advanced methods, considering the challenging disease specificities of these parameters in a routine care setting of AIT.

Maternal vitamin D and growth of under-five children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and interventional studies

Background

Even though previous systematic reviews have reported on the role of prenatal vitamin D on birth outcomes, its effect on child growth is poorly understood.

Objective

To synthesize a systematic summary of the literature on the effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation on the linear growth of under-five children.

Method

This study includes studies (both observational and interventional with a control group) that evaluated the effects of prenatal vitamin D status on child linear growth. The mean child length/length for age with 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled as the weighted mean difference using a random-effects model. A funnel plot was used to assess potential publication bias.

Results

A total of 45 studies and 66 reports covering a total population of 44,992 (19,683 intervention or high vitamin D group, and 25,309 control or low vitamin D group) were analyzed. Studies spanned from 1977 to 2022. The pooled weighted mean difference was 0.4 cm (95% CI: 0.15–0.65). A subgroup analysis, based on vitamin D supplementation frequency, showed that mothers who supplemented monthly or less frequently had a 0.7 cm (95% CI: 0.2–1.16 cm) longer child. Supplementation with a dose of >2000 international units increased child length at birth. The weighted mean difference was 0.35 cm (95% CI: 0.11–0.58).

Conclusion

The evidence from this review shows that maternal supplementation of vitamin D is associated with increased birth length. This is apparent at higher doses, low frequency (monthly or less frequent), and during the second/third trimester. It appears that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is protective of future growth in under-five children. Clinical trials are needed to establish evidence of effectiveness for the frequency and dose of supplementation.

Electronically Monitored Adherence to Short-Term Antibiotic Therapy in Children

BACKGROUND

Nonadherence to short-term antibiotic treatment in children can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant microorganisms. We aimed to provide reliable adherence estimates in this population.

METHODS

A prospective, blinded, electronically monitored, observational study between January 2018 and October 2021. Patients aged 2 months to 5 years diagnosed with an acute bacterial infection requiring short-term (5-10 days) oral antibiotic monotherapy, were provided with an electronically monitored medication bottle, recording every manipulation of the cap. Primary outcomes were overall adherence, predefined as administration of >75% of doses relative to the number of doses prescribed, and timing adherence, defined as the administration of >75% of prescribed doses taken within ±20% of the prescribed interval.

RESULTS

One hundred infants (49 boys, mean [range] age 1.87 years [0.2-5.1]) were included in the final analysis. Only 11 participants received all the recommended doses. Overall adherence was 62%, whereas timing adherence was 21%. After applying a logistic regression model, the only factor significantly associated with nonadherence was being a single parent (odds ratio = 5.7; 95% confidence interval [1.07-30.3]). Prescribers overestimated adherence, defining 49 of 62 (77.7%) participants as likely adherent. Patients predicted to be adherent were not more likely to be adherent than those predicted to be nonadherent (31/47 actual adherence among those predicted to be adherent vs 6/16, P = .77).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence of children to the short-term antimicrobial treatment of an acute infection is suboptimal. Providers were unable to predict the adherence of their patients. These data are important when considering recommended treatment durations and developing interventional programs to increase adherence.

A Systematic Review of Digital Interventions to Improve ART Adherence among Youth Living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

An estimated 3.4 million youth aged 15-24 years live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a majority of whom reside in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) generally maintain lower levels of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence compared to other age groups, which has negative impacts on long-term clinical outcomes. Given expanding mobile phone and Internet usage among youth in SSA, and a need for strategies to increase ART adherence, this review systematically assessed whether digital interventions could be used to improve YLHIV ART adherence in SSA. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and PubMed and Scopus databases were searched using terms to reflect the population of interest and different digital intervention strategies to improve ART adherence. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies in SSA evaluating the quantitative effect of digital interventions on YLHIV ART adherence were included. 3849 articles and abstracts, and 122 full texts were screened by two researchers (KG and RM). A third researcher (AC) resolved conflicts. Data were extracted from six eligible articles published between 2017 and 2021. Interventions from included studies lasted 13-96 weeks and took place in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Two of the six studies found significant intervention-related improvements in viral suppression. Of these two studies, one used short message service (SMS) for appointment and daily adherence reminders, and the other combined weekly SMS reminders with phone calls, support groups, home visits, and clinic-based counseling. The four remaining studies, using SMS and Internet-based interventions, did not find any significant adherence-related improvements. This review provides mixed evidence for using digital interventions to improve ART adherence among YLHIV in SSA. Given the relative novelty of using digital interventions in this context, further research is required to evaluate their effectiveness in improving youth ART adherence.

Water Access and Adherence Intention Among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women and New Mothers Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambia

Background

Mother-to-infant transmission of HIV is a major problem in Sub-Saharan Africa despite free or subsidized antiretroviral treatment (ART), but is significantly reduced when mothers adhere to ART. Because potable water access is limited in low-resource countries, we investigated water access and ART adherence intention among HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers in Zambia.

Methods

Our convenience sample consisted of 150 pregnant or postpartum women receiving ART. Descriptive statistics compared type of water access by low and high levels of ART adherence intention.

Results

Most (71%) had access to piped water, but 36% of the low-adherence intention group obtained water from a well, borehole, lake or stream, compared to only 22% of the high-adherence intention group. The low-adherence intention group was more rural (62%) than urban (38%) women but not statistically significant [unadjusted Prevalence Ratio (PR) 0.73, 95% CI: 0.52-1.02; adjusted PR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.78-1.45].

Conclusion

Providing potable water may improve ART adherence. Assessing available water sources in both rural and urban locations is critical when educating women initiating ART.

Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots in Pregnant and Postpartum Women With HIV in Kenya: A Novel Approach to Measuring Peripartum Adherence

BACKGROUND

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant and postpartum women with HIV (PWLWH) is critical to promote maternal health and prevent HIV transmission. Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is an objective assessment of cumulative ART adherence that has not been fully assessed in PWLWH.

SETTING

Southwestern Kenya.

METHODS

PWLWH receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based ART from 24 health facilities provided DBS samples at 3 time points [pregnancy/early postpartum (PP), 6 months PP, and 9-12 months PP]. Thresholds for daily adherence were defined as TFV-DP in DBS ≥650 fmol/punch in pregnancy and ≥950 PP. Descriptive analysis is presented. Cluster adjusted χ2 and t-tests were used to test for association with clinical and demographic factors.

RESULTS

A total of 419 DBS samples were collected from 150 PWLWH. Median TFV-DP in DBS was lowest, 552 fmol/punch [interquartile range (IQR), 395-759] in pregnancy and declined over time [914 (IQR, 644-1176) fmol/punch; early PP; 838 (IQR, 613-1063) fmol/punch 6 months PP; and 785 (IQR, 510-1009) fmol/punch 9-12 months; P < 0.001]. Only 42% of samples in pregnancy and 38.5% of samples in PP met thresholds for daily adherence. Clinical or demographic factors were not associated with suboptimal adherence levels.

CONCLUSION

Cumulative ART exposure in PWLWH, quantified by TFV-DP in DBS, demonstrated a stepwise decrease (ie, adherence) PP. Most women demonstrated less than daily adherence throughout the peripartum period. Use of TFV-DP in DBS as a measure of cumulative ART adherence could help optimize health outcomes in PWLWH and their infants.

Impact of Electronic Medication Reminder Caps on Patient Adherence and Blood Pressure

Background: Medication adherence is widely recognized as an essential component of chronic disease management, yet only 50% of patients take their medication as prescribed. Newer technologies have the potential to improve medication adherence. Objective: To conduct a pilot study estimating the impact of a pharmacy-dispensed electronic reminder cap (SMARxT cap), which also records cap openings, on medication adherence and blood pressure (BP). Methods: After a 30-day run-in period, 28 individuals were randomized to receive a SMARxT or placebo cap on each BP medication. The primary outcome was adherence measured via (1) the medication possession ratio, (2) number of cap openings, and (3) self-report. The secondary outcome was the average of 2 BP readings at 6 months. Mean changes from baseline to 6 months were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The medication possession ratio increased 2.7% in the SMARxT cap group and decreased 1.1% in the control group (P = .13), and cap openings increased 11.9% in the SMARxT cap group and 9.9% in the control group (P = .83). Self-reported adherence increased 1.1 points in the SMARxT cap group and 0.8 points in the control group (P = .64). Systolic BP decreased 8.2 mm Hg in the SMARxT cap group and 2.8 mm Hg in the placebo cap group (P = .35), and diastolic BP decreased to 6.2 mm Hg in the SMARxT cap group and was unchanged in the placebo cap group (P = .06). Conclusions: Use of SMARxT cap showed nonsignificant improvement in medication adherence and BP lowering. This technology has potential to characterize and improve medication-taking behavior.

HIV, aging, and adherence: an update and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight recent data on antiretroviral adherence in older people living with HIV (PLWH), describe the most relevant pharmacokinetic antiretroviral studies, and identify critical research gaps in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Overall, studies have found that older PLWH are more likely to be adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although multiple methods to measure adherence are available (self-report, pharmacy refills, electronic device monitors, drug concentrations), there is currently no 'gold standard' adherence measure or sufficient evidence to suggest a preferred method in older patients. Recently, studies evaluating antiretroviral concentrations in hair and dried blood spots in older patients identified no major differences when compared with younger individuals. Similarly, although pharmacokinetic studies in older PLWH are scarce, most data reveal no significant pharmacokinetic differences in the aging population. Furthermore, no specific guidelines or treatment recommendations regarding ART dose modification or long-term toxicity in aging PLWH are available, mostly because of the exclusion of this population in clinical trials.

SUMMARY

How aging influences adherence and pharmacokinetics remains poorly understood. As the population of older PLWH increases, research focusing on adherence, toxicity, drug--drug interactions, and the influence of comorbidities is needed.

Design and conduct of confirmatory chronic pain clinical trials

The purpose of this article is to provide readers with a basis for understanding the emerging science of clinical trials and to provide a set of practical, evidence-based suggestions for designing and executing confirmatory clinical trials in a manner that minimizes measurement error. The most important step in creating a mindset of quality clinical research is to abandon the antiquated concept that clinical trials are a method for capturing data from clinical practice and shifting to a concept of the clinical trial as a measurement system, consisting of an interconnected set of processes, each of which must be in calibration for the trial to generate an accurate and reliable estimate of the efficacy (and safety) of a given treatment. The status quo of inaccurate, unreliable, and protracted clinical trials is unacceptable and unsustainable. This article gathers aspects of study design and conduct under a single broad umbrella of techniques available to improve the accuracy and reliability of confirmatory clinical trials across traditional domain boundaries.

The impact of pill counting on resource-limited health facilities: a thematic qualitative analysis in eSwatini

Research on health systems in resource-limited settings has garnered considerable attention, but the dispensing of individual prescriptions has not been thoroughly explored as a specific bottleneck to effective delivery of care. The rise of human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis prevalence and non-communicable diseases in the Kingdom of eSwatini has introduced significant pressures on health facilities to meet patient demands for lifelong medications. Because automated pill counting methods are impracticable and expensive, most prescriptions are made by means of manually counting individual prescriptions using a plastic dish and spatula. The aim of this work was to examine the perceptions of health providers of causes for pill counting errors, and pill counting's impact on clinic workflow. Our study took place in 13 randomly selected public health facilities in eSwatini, stratified by three groups based on monthly patient volumes. Thirty-one participants who count pills regularly and 13 clinic supervisors were interviewed with semi-structured materials and were audio-recorded for later transcription. Interviews were thematically analysed with inductive coding and three major themes emerged: workflow, counting error causes and effect on clinic function. Findings demonstrate large variety in how facilities manage pill counting for prescription making. Due to patient demands, most facilities utilize all available personnel, from cleaners to nurses, to partake in prescription making. Major causes for pill counting errors were distractions, exhaustion and being hurried. Participants mentioned that patients said that they had initially received the wrong quantity of pills and this affected medication adherence measurements based off pill counts. Most participants described how efforts put into pill counting detracted from their work performance, wasted valuable time and increased patient wait times. Future research is needed to quantify prescription accuracy, but our data suggest that interventions directly alleviating the burden of pill counting could lead to improved clinic quality and possibly improve patient outcomes.

ART uptake and adherence among women who use drugs globally: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To assess the state of peer-reviewed literature surrounding uptake and adherence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV-positive women who use drugs (WWUD).

METHODS

Consistent with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping literature review on ART uptake and adherence among WWUD, searching PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Sociological Abstracts. Eligibility criteria included: reporting at least one ART uptake or adherence related result among WWUD aged 18 or older; peer-reviewed; published in English between 1996-2018.

RESULTS

Our search identified 6735 studies; 86 met eligibility requirements. ART uptake ranged from 30 % to 76 % and adherence ranged from 27 % to 95 %. Substance use, co-morbid psychiatric disorders, and side effects emerged as the primary ART uptake and adherence barriers among this population. Few facilitators were identified.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first scoping review to look at ART uptake and adherence among WWUD globally. The wide range in uptake and adherence outcomes indicates the need for gold standard assessments, which may differ between high and low resource settings. This study offers rich insight into uptake and adherence barriers and facilitators, primarily at the intrapersonal level. More research is needed to examine interventions that focus on additional levels of the SEM (e.g., community and policy levels). These review findings can inform ART interventions, future research, and offer guidance to other support services with WWUD, such as PrEP interventions.

Comparison of a home-based (multi) systemic intervention to promoting Medication AdheRence and Self-management among kidney transplant recipients with care-as-usual: the MARS randomized controlled trial protocol

Background

After kidney transplantation non-adherence and inadequate self-management undermine clinical outcomes and quality of life. Both have been demonstrated to be substantial in all age groups. However, interventions promoting adherence and self-management among kidney transplant recipients that have proven to be effective are scarce. In this study we aim to develop and test an intervention to optimize adherence and self-management. In this article we describe the background and design of the trial entitled ‘promoting Medication AdheRence and Self-management among kidney transplant recipients’ (MARS-trial)’.

Methods/design

This is a single-center, parallel arm randomized controlled trial. Nonadherent kidney transplant recipients aged 12 years or older are eligible for inclusion. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or a control group. The control group will receive care-as-usual. The experimental group will receive care-as-usual plus the MARS-intervention. The MARS-intervention is an outreaching intervention, based on the principles of (multi) systemic therapy which means involving the social network. A standardized intervention protocol is used for consistency but we will tailor the behavior change techniques used to the specific needs and determinants of each patient. The primary outcome of medication adherence will be measured using electronic monitoring. Secondary outcome measures regarding medication adherence and self-management are also assessed. Data is collected at baseline (T0), after a run-in period (T1), at six months post-baseline/end of treatment (T2) and after a six month follow-up period (T3).

Discussion

We combined elements of (multi) systemic therapy and evidence-based behavior change techniques to create an outreaching and highly individualized intervention. In this trial we will investigate the impact on medication adherence and self-management after kidney transplantation.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register,trial number NTR7462. Registered 7th September 2018, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7264

Measuring Medication Adherence in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Contributing Components in Rating Scales

Background

Poor medication adherence in chronic illnesses such as Parkinson's disease (PD) is a significant but potentially addressable issue if core components are systematically measured.

Objective

To assess whether rating scales used in PD adequately cover essential components of medication adherence.

Methods

We accessed 5 databases targeting articles published before October 2019 and using rating scales to measure medication adherence in PD. The ABC Taxonomy from the European Ascertaining Barriers to Compliance Consortium and World Health Organization recommendations were used as the evaluation standard of 5 essential adherence dimensions (patient-based, health system-based, social-based, therapy-based, and health condition-based), 3 phases (initiation, implementation, and discontinuation), and 2 factors (intentional and nonintentional).

Results

We screened 192 and selected 16 studies, collectively using 5 medication adherence rating scales. No scale covered all essential components of medication adherence (dimensions, phases, factors). The Morisky Medication Adherence Scales were the most frequently used (11 studies), but they measure only 2 dimensions and phases. The Stendal Adherence to Medication Score (used in 1 study) measured all phases but only 2 dimensions, and the Brief Medication Questionnaire (used in 3 studies) measured 3 dimensions and 2 phases. Distinctions between intentional and nonintentional factors were not completely considered in any scale.

Conclusions

Although multiple studies target medication adherence in PD, the used scales did not measure all recommended components, highlighting the need to develop a sensitive, specific, and comprehensive tool for measuring medication adherence among patients with PD.

Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV Patients in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in India, the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. We identified peer reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2017 to extract data on ART adherence. We estimated pooled prevalence of adherence to ART using a random-effects model. Thirty-two eligible studies (n = 11,543) were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were mostly clustered in the southern and western Indian states. Overall, 77% (95% Confidence Interval 73-82; I² = 96.80%) of patients had optimum adherence to ART. Women had higher prevalence of optimum adherence compared to men. Depression or anxiety were significant risk factors in seven of the fifteen studies reporting determinants of nonadherence. Studies should be performed to explore the reasons for gender gap in ART adherence and HIV program in India should prioritize mental health issues among HIV patients to improve ART adherence.

Persistence and adherence to nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Adherence and persistence to long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ides analogues are crucial to the outcome of treatment in chronic hepatitis B. Our aim was to determine the persistence and adherence rates to nucleos(t)ides analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients under maintenance therapy and to identify relative to prediction of adherence factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed electronic prescription data of patients (2011-2016; n = 400) with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ides analogues at 4 tertiary liver centers in Greece.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-six of 400 patients were under or initiated treatment in 2011-2012 (existing patients), while the remainder initiated or switched medication from January 2013 and onward (new patients). The median adherence rate was 99%, with 89.7% achieving adherence >80% during a mean follow-up of 28 ± 14 months. The overall 12-month persistence rate was 57%, with no difference between patients receiving tenofovir, entecavir or double therapy (57.8%, 52.8% and 68.4%, respectively, P = 0.399). The decline in persistence was more pronounced during the first 3 months of follow-up and in existing patients (P = 0.057). Overall, 80% and 55.1% of nonpersistent patients succeeded adherence to nucleos(t)ides analogues >80% and >90%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that existing (vs. new) patients were less likely to have >80% adherence (odds ratio: 0.324, P = 0.44) and persistence (odds ratio: 0.562, P = 0.057) to nucleos(t)ides analogues therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients, high adherence to nucleos(t)ides analogues was coupled with suboptimal persistence with prescribing the medication. Our data indicate that persistence and adherence are distinct measures that should be approached separately in educational programs targeting to improve medication-taking behavior in chronic hepatitis B.

Effect on the adherence to concomitant medications after initiation of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus

INTRODUCTION

Many patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have associated comorbidities that require complex treatments. We sought to determine the impact of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV on adherence to prescribed concomitant medications for associated comorbidities and to identify predictors of non-adherence to comedications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs in a Spanish hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 and followed-up by the pharmacy unit were included in the study. Adherence to concomitant comedication prescribed before and during HCV therapy with DAAs was compared to adherence during the same number of weeks before DAA initiation. Demographic, clinical and pharmacotherapy variables were analyzed to determine factors associated with non-adherence. A multivariate regression model was created for prediction of non-adherence to concomitant medication.

RESULTS

Data from 214 patients using prescribed concomitant therapies were analyzed. Significant reduction on adherence to comedications was observed after initiation of DAA treatment compared with a similar period before therapy initiation (29.9% vs. 36.9%, p=0.032). The univariate analysis showed that polypharmacy and presence of vascular disease were associated negatively with adherence to concomitant medications (87.8%, p=0.006 and 84.7%, p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that HIV/HBV coinfection was associated with adherence (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.39), while polypharmacy was a predictor for non-adherence (OR 4.54; 95% CI 1.48-13.92).

DISCUSSION

Adherence to concomitant medications decreases in HCV-infected patients when DAA therapy is initiated. Polypharmacy is a predictor for non-adherence, while HIV/HBV coinfection reduce non-adherence rates. Polymedicated patients on DAAs might benefit from close follow-up and educational programmes to improve their adherence.

Factors affecting medication adherence among pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence plays an essential role in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review aims to summarise factors affecting medication adherence among these pre-dialysis CKD patients.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in Medline®, Embase®, SCOPUS® and CINAHL®. Peer-reviewed, English language articles which evaluated factors associated with medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients were included. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled medication adherence rates across studies. Factors identified were categorised using the World Health Organization's five dimensions of medication adherence (condition, patient, therapy, health-system, and socio-economic domains).

RESULTS

Of the 3727 articles reviewed, 18 articles were included. The pooled adherence rate across studies was 67.4% (95% CI 61.4-73.3%). The most studied medication class was anti-hypertensives (55.6%). A total of 19 factors and 95 sub-factors related to medication adherence were identified. Among condition-related factors, advanced CKD was associated with poorer medication adherence. Patient-related factors that were associated with lower medication adherence included misconceptions about medication and lack of perceived self-efficacy in medication use. Therapy-related factors which were associated with poorer medication adherence included polypharmacy while health system-based factors included loss of confidence in the physician. Socioeconomic factors such as poor social support and lower education levels were associated with poorer medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Factors associated with poor medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients were highlighted in this review. This will aid clinicians in designing interventions to optimise medication adherence among pre-dialysis CKD patients.

Physician and patient prediction of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV positive people in Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) results in HIV viral suppression, which is one of the main 90-90-90 targets. Little is known about the accuracy of provider and patient predictions of retention in care and adherence to ART. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of 100 HIV positive people newly eligible for ART initiation (based on the Russian guidelines of ART prescription) in St. Petersburg, Russia. We assessed the association between predictions prior to ART initiation by each patient or their primary HIV physician and treatment outcomes of ART retention and adherence assessed by review of pharmacy and laboratory data. We observed that physicians' prediction was less accurate than ART outcomes compared to that of their patients. Providers should not rely on anticipated adherence and discuss openly the concerns about adherence with patients to identify those who need intervention to improve adherence.

Brief Report: Accuracy in Self-Report of Viral Suppression Among HIV-Positive Men With HIV-Negative Male Partners

BACKGROUND

Among men who have sex with men, there is now clear evidence that the risk of HIV transmission through condomless sex when the HIV-positive partner is virally suppressed is effectively zero. However, an understanding of the accuracy of reporting of viral load among serodiscordant same-sex male couples is missing from the literature.

SETTING

This analysis uses data from the baseline sample of Stronger Together, a randomized controlled efficacy trial of an innovative dyadic intervention to enhance antiretroviral therapy adherence for HIV serodiscordant male couples in 3 US cities (Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago).

METHODS

Biomarker-confirmed and self-reported measures of viral load were used to assess the accuracy of self-report of viral suppression. In this descriptive analysis, the percentage of men who inaccurately reported being virally suppressed is compared across demographic, relationship, and HIV care characteristics.

RESULTS

Results confirm those of other recent studies that have shown relatively high levels of inaccuracy in reporting of viral suppression. Although 72.5% of men could accurately report their viral load status, 20% reported that they were virally suppressed when they did not have a biomarker-confirmed measure of viral suppression.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the need to provide interventions to men who have sex with men living with HIV to support access to care and ensure current knowledge of viral load and to continue to support primary prevention of HIV through condom use and pre-exposure prophylaxis. For couples, particularly serodiscordant male couples, interventions that can teach the couple how to collaborate to achieve and maintain viral suppression for the positive partner are an urgent and pragmatic programmatic priority that can equip couples with the knowledge required to correctly implement U = U strategies.

Moving Antiretroviral Adherence Assessments to the Modern Era: Correlations Among Three Novel Measures of Adherence

There is no gold standard for estimating antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Feasible, acceptable, and objective measures that are cost- and time-effective are needed. US adults (N = 93) on ART for ≥ 3 months, having access to a mobile phone and internet, and willing to mail in self-collected hair samples, were recruited into a pilot study of remote adherence data collection methods. We examined the correlation of self-reported adherence and three objective remotely collected adherence measures: text-messaged photographs of pharmacy refill dates for pharmacy-refill-based adherence, text-messaged photographs of pills for pill-count-based adherence, and assays of home-collected hair samples for pharmacologic-based adherence. All measures were positively correlated. The strongest correlation was between pill-count- and pharmacy-refill-based adherence (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), and the weakest correlation was between self-reported adherence and hair drug concentrations (r = 0.14, p = 0.34). The three measures provide objective adherence data, are easy to collect, and are viable candidates for future HIV treatment and prevention research.

Using a Self-Administered Electronic Adherence Questionnaire to Identify Poor Adherence Amongst Adolescents and Young Adults on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

The best method to measure adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings has not yet been established, particularly among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The use of mobile technology may address the need for standardized tools in measuring adherence in this often marginalized population.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional validation study among AYAs (18-35 years) attending a South African HIV clinic between 07/2015-09/2017. We determine the diagnostic accuracy of two modes of delivering an adherence questionnaire (self-administered electronic vs interviewer-administered paper-adherence questionnaire) comprising two self-reported adherence tools (South African National Department of Health (NDoH) adherence questionnaire and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ)) to identify poor adherence compared to; 1) a detectable viral load (≥1000 copies/mL) and 2) a sub-optimal concentration of efavirenz (EFV) (EFV ≤1.00 µg/mL) measured by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

RESULTS

Of 278 included participants, 7.1% and 7.3% completing the electronic- and paper-questionnaires had a detectable viral load, while 14.7% and 16.5% had a sub-optimal concentration of EFV, respectively. According to viral load monitoring, the electronic-adherence questionnaire had a higher sensitivity (Se) in detecting poor adherence than the paper-based version across the NDoH adherence questionnaire (Se: 63.6% vs 33.3%) and SMAQ (Se: 90.9% vs 66.7%). In contrast, when using blood drug concentration (EFV ≤1.00 µg/mL), the paper-adherence questionnaire produced a higher sensitivity across both adherence tools; namely the NDoH adherence questionnaire (Se: 50.0% vs 38.1%) and SMAQ (Se: 75.0% vs 57.1%).

CONCLUSION

When using more accurate real-time measures of poor adherence such as TDM in this young adult population, we observe a higher sensitivity of an interviewer-administered paper-adherence questionnaire than an identical set of self-administered adherence questions on an electronic tablet. An interviewer-administered questionnaire may elicit more accurate responses from participants through a sense of increased accountability when engaging with health care workers.

Neurocognitive intra-individual variability within HIV+ adults with and without current substance use

OBJECTIVE

HIV infection and current substance use (SU) are linked to cognitive and functional deficits, yet findings on their combined effects are mixed. Neurocognitive intraindividual variability, measured as dispersion of scores across a neuropsychological battery, is associated with worse cognitive outcomes and functional deficits among HIV+ adults but has not been studied in the context of HIV+ adults with current SU. We hypothesized that, among HIV+ adults, current SU would be associated with greater dispersion, that greater dispersion would be associated with worse medication adherence, and that this relationship would be worse among substance users.

METHOD

Forty HIV+ adults completed neuropsychological, psychiatric, SU, and medical evaluations and an electronic medication adherence measure. General linear models evaluated the main effect of SU status on neurocognitive dispersion, and models stratified by SU status evaluated the effect of dispersion on medication adherence, adjusting for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

The SU+ group showed greater dispersion than did the SU- group, t(38) = 2.74, p = .049, d = 0.81, but this association did not survive multiple comparisons. Stratified analyses indicated a negative relationship between dispersion and medication adherence among the SU+ group but not in the SU- group; however, this effect was reduced after accounting for depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

We found preliminary evidence that current SU is associated with greater neurocognitive dispersion among HIV+ adults. SU and neurocognitive dispersion may have a synergistic effect on medication adherence; however, this effect is largely accounted for by depressive symptoms. Future research should examine progression of dispersion in HIV and consequent neurocognitive and functional deficits in those with current SU. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Patient-physician discordance in assessment of adherence to inhaled controller medication: a cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare patient's and physician's ratings of inhaled medication adherence and to identify predictors of patient-physician discordance.

DESIGN

Baseline data from two prospective multicentre observational studies.

SETTING

29 allergy, pulmonology and paediatric secondary care outpatient clinics in Portugal.

PARTICIPANTS

395 patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma.

MEASURES

Data on demographics, patient-physician relationship, upper airway control, asthma control, asthma treatment, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and healthcare use were collected. Patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to inhaled controller medication during the previous week using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Discordance was defined as classification in distinct VAS categories (low 0-50; medium 51-80; high 81-100) or as an absolute difference in VAS scores ≥10 mm. Correlation between patients' and physicians' VAS scores/categories was explored. A multinomial logistic regression identified the predictors of physician overestimation and underestimation.

RESULTS

High inhaler adherence was reported both by patients (median (percentile 25 to percentile 75) 85 (65-95) mm; 53% VAS>80) and by physicians (84 (68-95) mm; 53% VAS>80). Correlation between patient and physician VAS scores was moderate (r_s=0.580; p<0.001). Discordance occurred in 56% of cases: in 28% physicians overestimated adherence and in 27% underestimated. Low adherence as assessed by the physician (OR=27.35 (9.85 to 75.95)), FEV₁ ≥80% (OR=2.59 (1.08 to 6.20)) and a first appointment (OR=5.63 (1.24 to 25.56)) were predictors of underestimation. An uncontrolled asthma (OR=2.33 (1.25 to 4.34)), uncontrolled upper airway disease (OR=2.86 (1.35 to 6.04)) and prescription of short-acting beta-agonists alone (OR=3.05 (1.15 to 8.08)) were associated with overestimation. Medium adherence as assessed by the physician was significantly associated with higher risk of discordance, both for overestimation and underestimation of adherence (OR=14.50 (6.04 to 34.81); OR=2.21 (1.07 to 4.58)), while having a written action plan decreased the likelihood of discordance (OR=0.25 (0.12 to 0.52); OR=0.41 (0.22 to 0.78)) (R²=44%).

CONCLUSION

Although both patients and physicians report high inhaler adherence, discordance occurred in half of cases. Implementation of objective adherence measures and effective communication are needed to improve patient-physician agreement.

Electronic Pill Bottles or Bidirectional Text Messaging to Improve Hypertension Medication Adherence (Way 2 Text): a Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Poor medication adherence contributes to inadequate control of hypertension. However, the value of adherence monitoring is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of monitoring adherence with electronic pill bottles or bidirectional text messaging on improving hypertension control.

DESIGN

Three-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

PATIENTS

One hundred forty-nine primary care patients aged 18-75 with hypertension and text messaging capabilities who were seen at least twice in the prior 12 months with at least two out-of-range blood pressure (BP) measurements, including the most recent visit.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized in a 1:2:2 ratio to receive (1) usual care, (2) electronic pill bottles for medication adherence monitoring (pill bottle), and (3) bidirectional text messaging for medication adherence monitoring (bidirectional text).

MAIN MEASURES

Change in systolic BP during the final 4-month visit compared with baseline.

KEY RESULTS

At the 4-month follow-up visit, mean (SD) change values in systolic blood pressure were - 4.7 (23.4) mmHg in usual care, - 4.3 (21.5) mmHg in the pill bottle arm, and - 4.6 (19.8) mmHg in the text arm. There was no significant change in systolic blood pressure between control and the pill bottle arm (p = 0.94) or the text messaging arm (p = 1.00), and the two intervention arms did not differ from each other (p = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite good measured adherence, neither feedback with electronic pill bottles nor bidirectional text messaging about medication adherence improved blood pressure control. Adherence to prescribed medications was not improved enough to affect BP control or it was not the primary driver of poor control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02778542).

Patient Self-Reported Adherence to Ritonavir-Boosted Darunavir Combined With Either Raltegravir or Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine in the NEAT001/ANRS143 Trial

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Background:

The NEAT001/ANRS143 trial demonstrated noninferiority of ritonavir-boosted darunavir combined with either raltegravir (RAL + DRV/r) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC + DRV/r) in HIV-positive, antiretroviral-naive adults. In post hoc analyses, however, RAL + DRV/r showed inferiority in patients with baseline CD4⁺ <200/mm³ and HIV-1 RNA ≥100,000 copies per milliliter. This preplanned ancillary study was conducted to assess whether differences in adherence might explain efficacy results.

Setting:

Phase III, open-label, randomized, multicenter study in 15 European countries (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01066962).

Methods:

Seven hundred seventy-four participants self-reported adherence (modified AIDS Clinical Trials Group questionnaire) over 96 weeks [383 RAL + DRV/r (twice daily; 5 pills/day), 391 TDF/FTC + DRV/r (once daily; 4 pills/day)]. Primary endpoint was ≥95% versus <95% adherence to prescribed doses recorded (1) over the last 4 days or (2) on the visual analogue scale over the last 30 days.

Results:

Characteristics, except age, were similar between arms; 9% had CD4⁺ <200 cells/mm³ and HIV-1 RNA ≥100,000 copies per milliliter. Adherence ≥95% in the last 4 days (P = 0.029) or at the visual analogue scale (P = 0.0072) was higher with TDF/FTC + DRV/r than with RAL + DRV/r. Adherence ≥95% over the last 4 days was associated with lower probability of virological failure (P = 0.015). Adherence in patients with baseline CD4⁺ <200 cells/mm³ and HIV-1 RNA ≥100,000 copies per milliliter was similar to the rest of the population, and not significantly associated with efficacy measures, with no significant differences between arms.

Conclusion:

Adherence was high and slightly better in the TDF/FTC + DRV/r than in the RAL + DRV/r arm. No convincing evidence was found that higher failure rate in the RAL + DRV/r arm in the subgroup with worse baseline viroimmunological status is caused by adherence differences.

Gender Differences in Medication Adherence Among Adolescent and Young Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Among kidney transplant recipients, gender differences in medication adherence may contribute to higher graft failure risks observed in girls and young women compared with boys and young men. Our aim was to determine whether adherence differs by gender, and whether gender differences vary by age in adolescent and young adult kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

We examined data from the 3-month run-in period (no intervention) of the randomized Teen Adherence in Kidney transplant Effectiveness of Intervention trial. Adherence was monitored using electronic pillboxes in 136 patients (11-24 y) followed in 8 transplant centers in Canada and the United States. We used ordinal logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to estimate the association between gender and each of daily taking (proportion of prescribed doses taken) and timing (proportion of prescribed doses taken on time) adherence, considering effect modification by age (11-16 y vs 17-24 y).

RESULTS

No difference in taking adherence was observed by gender among participants aged 11 to 16 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-1.54), whereas among participants aged 17 to 24 years, women had significantly greater odds of higher taking adherence scores (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.20-7.66) than men. Results were similar for timing adherence, with no difference among participants aged 11 to 16 years (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.65-1.63) but a greater odds of higher timing adherence scores in women than in men among participants aged 17 to 24 years (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.43-7.45). There were no differences in adherence assessed by self-report or SD of tacrolimus trough levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender differences in adherence vary by age. Whereas younger adolescents show no adherence differences by gender, young women show much better adherence than young men.

Factors affecting adherence to antiepileptic medications among Sudanese individuals with epilepsy: A cross-sectional survey

Background:

Nonadherence to medication is widespread in epilepsy and other chronic diseases. Studies reporting adherence to antiepileptic medications are very limited in African countries. Adherence reports from low income African countries are few in contrast to multiple studies from high-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the level of adherence to antiepileptic medication in Sudanese population.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study of 96 individuals with epilepsy recruited from neurology outpatient clinics in three tertiary centers in Sudan. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire containing Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 (MMAS-4) and Belief about Medication Questionnaire and analyzed by statistical package of social sciences.

Results:

About 35% of patients were estimated to be nonadherent. Most of the patients (93%) acknowledged their need for antiepileptic drugs. However, 35% had high concern score. Adherence is affected by attitude toward antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and presence of side effects to AEDs. The relation between side effects and adherence was significant (P value 0.000). Furthermore, there was a statistically insignificant relation between the number of drugs used and adherence (P value 0.002). There was a significant relation between adherence, necessity mean score, concern mean score, and necessity concern differential P value 0.000 for all.

Conclusion:

Nonadherence to antiepileptic medication was reported in almost in one third of individuals in this cohort. There were statistically significant associations between nonadherence and both side effects and number of medications used in the treatment of epilepsy. Therefore, family physician should always check compliance with antiepileptic medication. Patient's education about adherence to medication through family physician may in part decrease the recurrence of epileptic seizures. Further research is needed to explore ways to increase adherence with AEDs in a low resource country like Sudan.

Necessity and concerns beliefs and HIV medication adherence: a systematic review

According to the Necessity-Concerns Framework, beliefs about medication necessity and concerns are two core themes from diverse patient medication beliefs across chronic illnesses that may directly influence adherence. Past work has supported associations of necessity and concerns to adherence in the chronic disease literature and in HIV research. However, there has not been a focused review of the literature on associations of necessity and concerns to HIV medication adherence, nor on what variables may influence these associations. This systematic review synthesized findings from 26 studies regarding associations of necessity and concerns to HIV medication adherence. Both beliefs showed small, clinically significant effects on adherence. A subset of studies identified perceptions of healthcare providers as determinants of necessity and concerns beliefs with indirect effects on adherence. Overall, necessity and concerns demonstrated clinically significant associations to adherence among people with HIV.

Comparison of Pharmacy Claims and Electronic Pill Bottles for Measurement of Medication Adherence Among Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence after myocardial infarction remains low. Pharmacy claims have typically been used to measure medication adherence, but electronic pill bottles may offer additional information.

OBJECTIVE

The main objectives of this study were to compare the association of adherence measured by prescription claims and remote monitoring technologies with cardiovascular events.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study was a secondary analysis of a remote monitoring intervention to increase medication adherence in myocardial infarction patients.

SUBJECTS

In total, 682 myocardial infarction patients were randomized to the intervention group with both medical and pharmacy benefits.

MEASURES

Pharmacy claims adherence was measured using proportion of days covered (PDC) and GlowCap adherence (GC) was measured as the proportion of days the pill bottle was opened. We compared the association of PDC and GC adherence for statins with time to first vascular readmission or death and assessed model fit using Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion and the likelihood ratio test.

RESULTS

Higher PDC was significantly associated with a lower hazard rate for vascular readmissions or death (hazard ratio=0.435; P=0.009). There was also an association between GC adherence and vascular readmissions or death (hazard ratio=0.313; P≤0.001). Adding the GC adherence variable to the model using only PDC improved the model fit (likelihood ratio test, P=0.001), as well as vice versa (P=0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacy claims data provide useful but not complete data for medication adherence monitoring. New wireless technologies have the potential to provide additional data about clinical outcomes.

Adherence Measurements in HIV: New Advancements in Pharmacologic Methods and Real-Time Monitoring

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we present new developments in antiretroviral adherence, focusing on pharmacological measures and real-time adherence monitoring. In addition, new strategies on how to incorporate these new measures into research and clinical care are proposed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Antiretroviral drug concentrations in hair and dried blood spots are two novel pharmacological measures of cumulative drug adherence and exposure that have been recently evaluated in HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Real-time adherence monitoring using electronic devices has also proven highly informative, feasible, and well accepted, offering the possibility for an immediate intervention when non-adherence is detected. Both approaches offer considerable advantages over traditional adherence measures in predicting efficacy. New methods to objectively monitor adherence in real-time and over long time periods have been developed. Further research is required to better understand how these measures can optimize adherence and, ultimately, improve clinical outcomes in HIV treatment and prevention.

Effects of a Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) program on medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The present study aims to investigate the effect of the group-based Proactive Interdisciplinary Self-Management (PRISMA) training program on medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treated in primary care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The current study is a two-arm, parallel group, randomized, open label trial (1:1) of 6-month duration with a 6-month extension period in which both groups received the intervention (wait-list control). People 18 years old or older who were diagnosed with T2DM were included. The intervention consisted of two group meetings about T2DM guided by care providers. The control group received usual care only (visits at the general practice). The primary outcome was adherence based on pharmacy refill data and was measured using medication possession ratio (MPR). The secondary outcomes were the number of drug holidays and self-reported adherence, measured by the 5-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-5).

RESULTS

Of the total sample (n=108), 66.6% were male. The mean age was 69.3 years (SD=9.1). In the 6-month period, patients were more adherent in the intervention group (n=56) (median MPR =100.0 [51.1-100.0]) than in the control group (n=52) (median MPR =97.7 [54.1-100.0]) (U=1,042, z=-2.783, P=0.005). The intervention group had less drug holidays than the control group (relative risk 0.55, 95% CI, 0.37-0.80). The sum scores of the MARS did not differ between the intervention group (median =23.98, SD=0.91) and the control group (median =24.00, SD=1.54).

CONCLUSION

The PRISMA program resulted in a small improvement in MPR and fewer drug holidays, while no improvement has been found in self-reported adherence. However, health care providers and policy makers could take into account that adherence might be influenced by PRISMA.

Assessment of tacrolimus intrapatient variability in stable adherent transplant recipients: Establishing baseline values

The purpose of this study was to determine the intrapatient (within the same patient) variability of tacrolimus in adherent patients. Daily tacrolimus trough levels were obtained at home using dried blood spot technology in kidney and liver transplant recipients. Patients were randomized to receive 3 formulations of tacrolimus, each for two 1-week periods. Adherence was monitored by patient diary, pill counts, and use of the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS). Variability was quantified as the coefficient of variation (CV). Comparison of CV between groups was by independent t test or one-way ANOVA as appropriate. The population was found to be adherent with a rate of 99.9% with a mean interval between the evening and morning dose of tacrolimus of 11.86 hours. The median CV for the entire population was 15.2% (range 4.8%-110%). There were no differences in CV by allograft type or tacrolimus formulation. The multivariate analysis did not identify any demographic characteristics associated with a CV > 30%. In a highly adherent population, tacrolimus did not display high intrapatient variability. Given the association between IPV and poor allograft outcomes, future studies are needed to quantitate the influence of adherence and establish target IPV goals.

The Supporting Adolescent Adherence in Vietnam (SAAV) study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial assessing an mHealth approach to improving adherence for adolescents living with HIV in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The overall goal of the Supporting Adolescent Adherence in Vietnam (SAAV) study is to improve understanding of an adherence feedback mHealth intervention designed to help adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) maintain high adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), critical to effective treatment. Specifically, we aim to: (1) conduct formative research with Vietnamese ALHIV and their caregivers to better understand adherence challenges and refine the personalized mHealth intervention package; and (2) assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the intervention to improve ART adherence by implementing a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHODS

The study will utilize mixed methods. The formative phase will include 40 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 20 adolescent (12-17 years)/caregiver dyads and eight focus group discussions with adolescents, caregivers, and clinicians at the National Hospital for Pediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. We will also conduct 20 IDIs with older adolescents (18-21 years) who have transitioned to adult care at outpatient clinics in Hanoi. We will then implement a seven-month RCT at NHP. We will recruit 80 adolescents on ART, monitor their adherence for one month to establish baseline adherence using a wireless pill container (WPC), and then randomize participants to intervention versus control within optimal (≥ 95% on-time doses) versus suboptimal (< 95% on-time doses) baseline adherence strata. Intervention participants will receive a reminder of their choice (cellphone text message/call or bottle-based flash/alarm), triggered when they miss a dose, and engage in monthly counseling informed by their adherence data. Comparison participants will receive usual care and offer of counseling at routine monthly clinic visits. After six months, we will compare ART adherence, CD4 count, and HIV viral suppression between arms, in addition to acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

Findings will contribute valuable information on perceived barriers and facilitators affecting adolescents' ART adherence, mHealth approaches as adherence support tools for ALHIV, and factors affecting adolescents' ART adherence. This information will be useful to researchers, medical personnel, and policy-makers as they develop and implement adherence programs for ALHIV, with potential relevance to other chronic diseases during transition from adolescent to adult care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03031197 . Registered on 21 January 2017.

Medication adherence and treatment-resistant hypertension: a review

Nonadherence is a common reason for treatment failure and treatment resistance. No matter how it is defined, it is a major issue in the management of chronic illnesses. There are numerous methods to assess adherence, each with its own strengths and weaknesses; however, no single method is considered the best. Nonadherence is common in patients with hypertension, and it is present in a large proportion of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure taking three or more antihypertensive agents. Availability of procedure-based treatment options for these patients has shed further light on this important issue with development of new methods to assess adherence. There is, however, no consensus on the management of nonadherence, which reflects the complex interplay of factors responsible for it.

Methods for Measuring Multiple Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review-Report of the ISPOR Medication Adherence and Persistence Special Interest Group

BACKGROUND

A broad literature base exists for measuring medication adherence to monotherapeutic regimens, but publications are less extensive for measuring adherence to multiple medications.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and characterize the multiple medication adherence (MMA) methods used in the literature.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Library databases on methods used to measure MMA published between January 1973 and May 2015. A two-step screening process was used; all abstracts were screened by pairs of researchers independently, followed by a full-text review identifying the method for calculating MMA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. For studies that met the eligibility criteria, general study and adherence-specific characteristics and the number and type of MMA measurement methods were summarized.

RESULTS

The 147 studies that were included originated from 32 countries, in 13 disease states. Of these studies, 26 used proportion of days covered, 23 used medication possession ratio, and 72 used self-reported questionnaires (e.g., the Morisky Scale) to assess MMA. About 50% of the studies included more than one method for measuring MMA, and different variations of medication possession ratio and proportion of days covered were used for measuring MMA.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be no standardized method to measure MMA. With an increasing prevalence of polypharmacy, more efforts should be directed toward constructing robust measures suitable to evaluate adherence to complex regimens. Future research to understand the validity and reliability of MMA measures and their effects on objective clinical outcomes is also needed.

Feasibility and acceptability of novel methods to estimate antiretroviral adherence: A longitudinal study

Due to marked reductions in morbidity and mortality, antiretroviral (ARV) adherence monitoring is of high interest. Researchers and clinicians often resort to the most feasible and cost-effective adherence methods possible, which may result in biased or inaccurate estimates and require the physical presence of a participant at a research or clinic site. The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of three objective, innovative, and remote methods to estimate ARV adherence which may be conducted with less time and financial resources in a wide range of clinic and research settings. These three methods included: (a) text-messaged photographs of pharmacy refill dates to measure refill-based adherence, (b) text-messaged photographs of ARV medications to estimate pill-count-based adherence, and (c) home-collected hair samples for the measurement of ARV concentration to determine pharmacologic-based adherence. We conducted a pilot study from March through October 2017 to examine the feasibility and acceptability of these three adherence measures and the remotely conducted study procedures in 93 adults living with HIV nationwide. From our diverse national sample of participants, 95.7% were retained until the end of the study, 89.9% sent all text messages, and 84.3% sent all hair samples. Approximately 74.2% of participants reported excellent overall experience with the study, 60.2% were very or extremely satisfied with participating in a hair collection study, and 76.3% noted extremely high likelihood of participating in a similar study including text messaging pictures of medications or refill dates. We noted high levels of feasibility and acceptability with the remote study methodology, collection of photographed and text messaged pharmacy refill dates and pill counts, and home-collected hair samples. Here we describe the feasibility and acceptability metrics, results from the exit qualitative interviews with the participants, and lessons learned. These adherence measures represent innovative approaches to expand monitoring tools for HIV treatment and prevention adherence in future research.

Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the Social, Emotional, and Economic Empowerment Through Knowledge of Group Support Psychotherapy Study (SEEK-GSP): Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial characteristics, including self-esteem, perceived social support, coping skills, stigma, discrimination, and poverty, are strongly correlated with depression symptoms. However, data on the extent of these correlations among persons living with HIV and the associations between psychosocial characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes are limited in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the recruitment process and baseline characteristics associated with depression in a sample of HIV-positive people in a cluster randomized trial of group support psychotherapy (GSP) for depression delivered by trained lay health workers (LHWs).

METHODS

Thirty eligible primary care health centers across three districts in Uganda were randomly allocated to have their LHWs trained to deliver GSP (intervention arm) or group HIV education and treatment as usual (control arm) to persons living with HIV comorbid with depression. Baseline demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial characteristics were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Among eligible participants, differences between those enrolled versus those who refused enrollment were assessed using chi square for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. Spearman rank order correlation analyses were conducted to determine associations between baseline depression symptoms and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load suppression, and other psychosocial variables.

RESULTS

The study screened 1473 people and 1140 were found to be eligible and enrolled over 14 weeks. Participants recruited comprised 95% of the target sample size of 1200. The sample's mean age was 38.5 (SD 10.9) years and both genders were well represented (males: 46.32%, 528/1140). Most participants met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (96.92%, 1105/1140), had significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (72.46%, 826/1140), reported moderate suicide risk (52.54%, 599/1140), had primary or no formal education (86.22%, 983/1140), and reported no income-generating activity (72.63%, 828/1140) and no food insecurity (81.67%, 931/1140). Among eligible participants, 48 of 1140 (4.21%) refused to participate in the interventions; these participants were more likely to be males (χ²₁=4.0, P=.045) and have significantly lower depression symptoms scores (t₂=2.36, P=.01) than those who participated in the interventions. There was a significant positive correlation between viral load and number of traumatic experiences (ρ=.12, P=.05). Adherence to ART was positively correlated with perceived social support (ρ=.15, P<.001), but negatively correlated with depression symptoms (ρ=-.11, P=.05) and stigma (ρ=-.14, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Men and women with HIV and depression experience multiple social and economic vulnerabilities and disadvantages. Culturally tailored psychological interventions aimed at these individuals should address these socioeconomic disadvantages in addition to addressing their mental health care needs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201608001738234; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=1738 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74NtMphom).

Interventions to Improve Medication Adherence: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Among adults with chronic illness, 30% to 50% of medications are not taken as prescribed. In the United States, it is estimated that medication nonadherence is associated with 125 000 deaths, 10% of hospitalizations, and $100 billion in health care services annually.

OBSERVATIONS

PubMed was searched from January 1, 2000, to September 6, 2018, for English-language randomized clinical trials of interventions to improve medication adherence. Trials of patients younger than 18 years, trials that used self-report as the primary adherence outcome, and trials with follow-up periods less than 6 months were excluded; 49 trials were included. The most common methods of identifying patients at risk for nonadherence were patient self-report, electronic drug monitors (pill bottles), or pharmacy claims data to measure gaps in supply. Patient self-report is the most practical method of identifying nonadherent patients in the context of clinical care but may overestimate adherence compared with objective methods such as electronic drug monitors and pharmacy claims data. Six categories of interventions, and characteristics of successful interventions within each category, were identified: patient education (eg, recurrent and personalized telephone counseling sessions with health educators); medication regimen management (using combination pills to reduce the number of pills patients take daily); clinical pharmacist consultation for chronic disease co-management (including education, increased frequency of disease monitoring via telephone or in-person follow-up visits, and refill reminders); cognitive behavioral therapies (such as motivational interviewing by trained counselors); medication-taking reminders (such as refill reminder calls or use of electronic drug monitors for real-time monitoring and reminding); and incentives to promote adherence (such as reducing co-payments and paying patients and clinicians for achieving disease management goals). The choice of intervention to promote adherence will depend on feasibility and availability within a practice or health system. Successful interventions that are also clinically practical include using combination pills to reduce daily pill burden, clinical pharmacist consultation for disease co-management, and medication-taking reminders such as telephone calls to prompt refills (maximum observed absolute improvements in adherence of 10%, 15%, and 33%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Adherence can be assessed and improved within the context of usual clinical care, but more intensive and costly interventions that have demonstrated success will require additional investments by health systems.

Comparison of the predictive performance of adherence measures for virologic failure detection in people living with HIV: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis

A critical feature of an adherence assessment tool is its ability to predict virologic failure in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We, therefore, aimed to compare the predictive performance of commonly used adherence measures. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS up to February 2018, to identify relevant observational studies comparing the effects of any two of the following adherence measurements on virologic outcomes: electronic monitoring, pill count, pharmacy refill, self-report and physician assessment. We analyzed data by pairwise meta-analyzes with a random-effects model. The proportion of virologic failures among non-adherent participants in each adherence measure was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR), with 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI). Heterogeneity was assessed, with potential causes identified by sensitivity and subgroup analysis. We included 38 studies with individual patient data for 18,010 patients. All possible comparisons between pairs of the five adherence measures were considered and a total of nine comparison groups could be established. Meta-analysis suggested that self-report was a better predictor of virologic failure than pill count when the recall period was within one week (OR: 2.35, 95%CI: 1.07-5.18, p = 0.03). Physician assessment had higher odds of predicting virologic failure than did either self-report (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.37-5.26, p < 0.01) or pharmacy refill (OR: 3.57, 95%CI: 1.69-7.14, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the predictive performance between any of the other measures that we were able to compare (p > 0.05). The combination of multiple measures did not increase the predictive value when compared to any of the measures alone. Low-cost and simple adherence measures such as self-report predict virologic failure better than or equally well as objective measures. Our results suggest that there is no need to use expensive or time-consuming adherence measures when the objective is to identify PLHIV at risk of treatment failure.