1. What is ART Adherence?

ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) adherence refers to the extent to which patients take their medications as prescribed by their healthcare providers. In Malaysia, maintaining high adherence is crucial for successful HIV treatment outcomes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple adherence formula:

Where:

• Doses Taken — Number of doses actually taken by the patient
• Doses Prescribed — Number of doses that should have been taken

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of prescribed doses that were actually taken by the patient during a specific period.

3. Importance of ART Adherence

Details: High adherence (>95%) is essential for maintaining viral suppression, preventing drug resistance, and ensuring treatment effectiveness in HIV management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of doses taken and the number of doses prescribed during the same time period. Both values must be positive numbers, with doses prescribed greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered good adherence in Malaysia?
A: For ART, adherence of 95% or higher is generally recommended to maintain viral suppression.

Q2: How is adherence typically measured in clinical settings?
A: Besides self-report, methods include pill counts, pharmacy refill records, and electronic monitoring devices.

Q3: What factors affect ART adherence in Malaysia?
A: Common factors include medication side effects, complex regimens, stigma, and socioeconomic challenges.

Q4: Are there support programs for adherence in Malaysia?
A: Yes, Malaysia has various adherence support programs through government hospitals and NGOs like the Malaysian AIDS Council.

Q5: How often should adherence be assessed?
A: Regular assessment at each clinic visit is recommended, especially during the first year of treatment.