Factors Affecting Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in People Living with HIV/AIDS

Antiretroviral treatments have given hope to people living with HIV/AIDS and play a role in improving their quality of life. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is directly related to the level of adherence and commitment to them. Researchers have demonstrated that there are many factors that play an important role in adopting and maintaining adherence behavior. In this article, the authors present an indepth review of the literature and from this, enumerate the factors that link adherence behavior to the individual, the treatment, the illness, and the relationship with the health professional. An understanding of these factors is essential to develop interventions that will improve adherence to therapeutic regimens among people with HIV/AIDS.