Is illicit drug use a risk factor for non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy?.
GROUND: The success of highly active antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV infection is dependent upon strict adherence to complicated dosing regimens. METHODS: We conducted a cross- sectional study of 232 patients, 120 patients with a history of illicit drug use (IDU) and 112 without a history of IDU, on antiretroviral therapy. Patients were interviewed regarding antiretroviral adherence, illicit drug use, health beliefs, and social stress. Percent adherence was defined as the number of doses taken divided by the total number of doses prescribed over a two-week period using the antiretroviral drug least adhered to. Adherence was then dichotomized into adherent ( ≥ 90% adherence) or non-adherent (<90%) with any antiretroviral medication. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for non-adherence in different patient groups. RESULTS: A past history of IDU was not associated with non-adherence in our patients. However, a past history of IDU was found to be imp
