SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND ADHERENCE TO HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that is most commonly transmitted sexually or by injection drug use that has been clinically recognized in Northern countries since the early 1980’s. HIV is a progressing virus that attacks the hosts’ immune system, leaving the host defenseless against foreign invaders and ultimately resulting in death. Antiretroviral medications have been developed to limit HIV infection and prevent the progression to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is important to adhere to these medications to lower the number of viral copies present in the blood and preserve the immune system as well as to lower the probability of transmission and viral mutation. Although adherence is crucial to managing this virus, it is not uncommon to have patients with adherence rates under the ideal 95% adherent threshold. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of HIV leading up to AIDS and a research study designed to identify socioeconomic barriers that affect adherence to antiretroviral medications to potentially increase adherence among patients.