Adherence in HIV-1 infected children taking once daily HAART with Didanosine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz in West Africa. ANRS 12103 clinical trial

Objective

Assess adherence and determine the reasons of poor adherence in HIV-1 infected children taking once-a-day paediatric HAART with DDI+3TC+EFV in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Methods

Fifty-two HIV-1 infected children were followed during a 12-month period of the II phase clinical trial. Adherence was assessed using monthly pill counts. A questionnaire was administered quarterly in order to investigate reasons of poor adherence.

Results

During the 12 months of follow up, two children died. Seven became resistant and 118 questionnaires were administered. Only two caregivers declared missed takings the previous week, which was contrasting with the counting. The difficulties reported by the caregivers were related to the time slot, and the instruction to take the pills on an empty stomach, the length of the treatment, the ARV's form and palatability.

The adherence rate was 98% and 32% of the patients had always had an adherence rate ≥ 95%. The adherence was not correlated to the socio-demographic factors and to the immuno-virological response.

Conclusion

Good adherence of this once daily's treatment study. No association between adherence, the socio-demographic factors and the infection's markers.