Neuropsychiatric and socioeconomic status impact antiretroviral adherence and mortality in rural Zambia.

ABSTRACT: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 496 adults starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) to determine the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms and socioeconomic status on adherence and mortality. Almost 60% had good adherence based upon pharmacy records. Poor adherence was associated with being divorced, poorer, food insecure, and less educated. Longer travel time to clinic, concealing one's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, and experiencing side effects predicted poor adherence. Over a third of the patients had cognitive impairment and poorer cognitive function was also associated with poor adherence. During follow-up (mean 275 days), 20% died-usually within 90 days of starting ART. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, advanced HIV, peripheral neuropathy symptoms, food insecurity, and

SUBMITTER: Birbeck GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3183792 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature