Contrary to what is observed in adults, adherence to antiretrovirals in adolescents with HIV hasn’t been well studied. This research aimed at identifying the characteristics of adherence behavior in adolescents living with HIV/aids, according to the perceptions of these adolescents and their primary caregivers. Nine dyads constituted by the youngsters and the caregivers participated on the study. The adolescents were between 12 and 17 years of age, six of them were male and all of them were infected due to vertical transmition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with all participants. Results indicated difficulties in adherence, especially in circumstances in which medication needed to be taken outside the domestic environment (n=6). Moreover, reports of missing doses (n=4) and delayed intake of antiretrovirals (n=7) were common. It is suggested that adherence difficulties can be worked by improving communication with the family as well as with the health professionals.
HIV; treatment adherence; adolescent health
