Challenges in assessing self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy among individuals living with HIV/AIDS and mental disorders

Abstract

Studies focusing on individuals living with HIV and mental disorders are crucial to inform and enhance care for this inherently vulnerable population group, especially considering that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) are more likely to develop mental disorders compared to the general population, contributing to lower adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study cross-sectional study aimed to assess self-reported adherence to antiretroviral therapy among PLHIV and moderate or severe mental disorders in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Patient-reported data from PLHIV who received care in at least one of the Psychosocial Care Network facilities of the Brazilian Unified Health System from 2014 to 2018 were collected to assess the adherence to ART. Among the 76 participants eligible, 35 were included in the study. Substance use-related mental disorders were the most prevalent (45.7%), followed by mood disorders (25.7%) and anxiety (11.4%). Most of the participants had a low ART adherence (62.9%), followed by insufficient adherence (22.9%) and good adherence (14.3%). No significant associations were found between the adherence to ART and the study variables. Our findings suggest the importance of assessing adherence based on both direct and indirect measures, as biological markers and self-report.