Enhanced adherence counseling as a strategy for virological failure in patients on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: in HIV infection, treatment adherence is essential to achieve an undetectable viral load (CV),thus reducing the virus s transmissibility. Objective: to describe the impact of intensified adherence counseling (ICA) as a strategy for virological failure in patients on antiretroviral therapy at the Hospital Nacional Doctor Mario Catarino Rivas from july 2019 to february 2020. Methodology: descriptive, observational, longitudinal research. It included adult patients and children on antiretroviral therapy with a viral load greater than 1000 copies /ml. A sample of 225 patients was obtained. Results: 225 patients included who were given ASD, 56% female, 47% from 36 to 65 years old, 26% from 20 to 35 years old, and 25% were of pediatric age. Some barrier to adherence compliance was identified in 65% of patients, the main one being problems with meeting schedules when taking the drug, justified by work and other activities in 17%. Of the total number of patients, 21% (48) completed the intervention of 4 sessions until february 2020, achieving a reduction of the viral load to less than 1000 copies / ml in 48% of them, who in 57% had begun the ASD with CV between 1000-10,000 copies / ml. Conclusion / recommendation: with this pilot intervention, the benefit obtained through the CIA in those patients with virological failure is evidenced, whose barrier is non compliance in taking their medication, especially those who have CV between 1000 and 10,000 copies, so it is suggested to protocolize for all comprehensive care in the country.