1. What is ART Adherence?

ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) adherence refers to the extent to which a person takes medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. In the Philippines, maintaining high adherence is crucial for successful HIV treatment and prevention of drug resistance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard adherence formula:

Where:

• \( Days\ Covered \) — Number of days medication was taken as prescribed
• \( Days\ in\ Period \) — Total days in the measurement period

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of days in a given period that the patient was adherent to their ART regimen.

3. Importance of ART Adherence

Details: In the Philippines, maintaining ≥95% adherence to ART is critical for viral suppression, maintaining immune function, and preventing transmission of HIV to others.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of days medication was taken correctly and the total days in the measurement period (typically 30 days for monthly assessments). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered good adherence for ART?
A: In the Philippines, ≥95% adherence is recommended for optimal treatment outcomes and to prevent drug resistance.

Q2: How is adherence typically measured in the Philippines?
A: Common methods include self-reports, pill counts, pharmacy refill records, and electronic monitoring devices.

Q3: What are common barriers to adherence in the Philippines?
A: Challenges include stigma, distance to treatment centers, medication side effects, and economic constraints.

Q4: How can adherence be improved?
A: Strategies include patient education, peer support groups, reminder systems, and addressing social determinants of health.

Q5: Are there special considerations for adherence in the Philippines?
A: Yes, cultural factors, family support systems, and the decentralized nature of HIV care in the archipelago all impact adherence strategies.