Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the association between quality of life and adherence to antiretroviral treatment.
Methods
Cross-sectional study conducted in an outpatient clinic for infectious disease in a university hospital located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The sample consisted of 156 participants with HIV who answered questions related to social, demographic and clinical characterization, evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral treatment (CEAT-HIV), and quality of life (HAT-QoL). Statistical analyzes were performed, including logistic regression to verify associations.
Results
The quality of life domains that affect adherence positively were those related to general function, medication concerns and confidence in the health professional. The domain that affected adherence negatively was related to concerns about confidentiality. It was observed that the highest means of quality of life were associated with strict adherence (adequate). Strict adherence promotes viral suppression and increases the defense cells in the body. However, negative results in these clinical indicators impair quality of life domains, especially those related to health concerns, medication concerns, and sexual function.
Conclusion
Quality of life, associated with adherence and clinical indicators generate a cycle, in which the different results of each one suffers the interference of the others.
Nursing care; Medication adherence; HIV; HIV infections; Quality of life
