[Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Adhesion of Children in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Three Urban Centers in Southern Brazil]

This study verified the prevalence and associated factors to the adhesion of children in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), in three urban centers in Southern Brazil: Passo Fundo, Canoas and Cachoeira do Sul. The population of the study consisted of 44 children, between 18 months to 13 years old, in HAART. Data was collected by applying a socio-demographic questionnaire with the caregivers, aiming to know the children's sex, age, schooling, treatment type and clinical state, as well as the caregiver's income, age and schooling. Adhesion was considered when the effectiveness of the HAART was at least 95% of the prescribed regimen. The design of the study was analytical and transversal. Data analysis was performed by descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage) and bivariate analysis (chi-square test), crossing the outcome variable (adhesion to HAART) and the independent variables (sociodemographic, clinical state, treatment type, caregiver's age and schooling). The results showed 82% of adhesion in the studied children. The bivariate analysis did not point out significant associations between adhesion and independent variables. A possible linear tendency to increase the adhesion as a function of the improvement of the physical state was observed.