Nonadherence to HIV Treatment: Implications for Health Educators

Abstract

Combination antiretroviral therapies can improve the immune system and decrease mortality among individuals infected with HIV. Treatment advances over the past few years have raised a number of issues for those living with HIV, including adhering to difficult medication regimens. The promises of new treatments will not be realized if individuals do not adhere strictly to medications. It is vital that health educators keep pace with developments in the AIDS field and be aware of the realities of medical treatments for HIV disease. This article describes steps to help health educators identify and assess the problem of nonadherence to HIV treatment. It is critical that health educators have a good understanding of factors that influence the ability of infected individuals to be adherent. Guidelines for developing successful adherence-promoting programs are offered.