1. What is ART Adherence?

ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) adherence measures how consistently a patient takes their prescribed HIV medication. High adherence (>95%) is crucial for treatment success and preventing drug resistance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ART adherence equation:

Where:

• \( Pills Taken \) — Total number of pills taken during the period
• \( Days Elapsed \) — Number of days in the evaluation period
• \( Daily Dose \) — Prescribed number of pills per day

Explanation: The equation compares actual pill consumption with the expected consumption based on prescription.

3. Importance of Adherence Calculation

Details: Monitoring adherence helps healthcare providers assess treatment effectiveness, identify potential issues early, and prevent viral resistance development.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total number of pills taken, days elapsed since starting the regimen, and the prescribed daily dose. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered good adherence?
A: For ART, ≥95% adherence is recommended. Below 90% significantly increases risk of treatment failure.

Q2: How often should adherence be measured?
A: Typically at each clinic visit (every 1-3 months), especially during the first year of treatment.

Q3: What are common methods to measure adherence?
A: Pill counts, self-reports, pharmacy refill records, and electronic medication monitors.

Q4: What factors affect adherence?
A: Medication side effects, complexity of regimen, mental health, substance use, and social support.

Q5: How to improve adherence?
A: Use pill boxes/alarms, link dosing to daily routines, address side effects, and provide counseling/support.