Table 1.

Barriers and facilitators of ARV therapy adherence15,22–38

Barriers

Facilitators

Substance abuse Fear of disclosure of HIV status Denial of the HIV diagnosis Speaking a different language than the health care provider Stigma Depression Forgetfulness Suspicions about ARV treatment ARV regimens that are considered to be too complicated Perceived unpleasant side-effects from ARV medications High number of pills in an ARV regimen Sleeping through medication dosing time Decreased quality of life Work and family responsibilities Limited access to ARV medications

Sense of self-worth Seeing/feeling positive effects of ARV therapy Strong will to live Acceptance of the HIV diagnosis Understanding the need for adherence Making use of reminder tools such as pill organizers Having an ARV regimen that “fits” into one’s daily schedule Once daily dosing of ARV medications Presence of motivational readiness Perception of a positive health care provider–patient relationship Having social support

Abbreviations: ARV, antiretroviral; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus.