[Determinants of Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence in Brasília, Federal District: a Case-control Study]

We sought to evaluate factors relating to adherence to antiretroviral treatment in the Federal District. Out of 150 patients interviewed at seven reference centers; 35 non-adherent subjects were considered to be cases; we selected 70 age-matched adherent individuals as controls. Variables relating to sociodemographics, habits, social support, quality of life, disease-related issues, clinical conditions, treatment and healthcare services were evaluated. Bivariate analysis showed that adherence was associated with race/color, educational level, the reference center where the patient was followed up and familial income. After adjustments, mixed race (parda), reference center location in central Brasília, high educational level and friends support for needs remained associated with adherence. After excluding race/color from the model, the reference center location, educational level, profession, income, support (being able to count on someone who demonstrably likes you) and satisfaction with the service at the pharmacy remained related to adherence. In addition to the factors already established in the literature, questions relating to support within the microsocial environment and the healthcare services were shown to be associated with therapeutic compliance.