The feasibility of a community-based directly administered antiretroviral therapy program

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Jun 1:38 Suppl 5:S388-92. doi: 10.1086/421401.

Abstract

Improved treatment-adherence support programs are needed to help human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons comply with complex highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) regimens. In an experimental directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAART) program, treatment-naive and treatment-experienced persons who experienced failure of no more than 1 prior regimen were recruited from 3 public HIV/AIDS clinics in Los Angeles County. For 6 months, trained community workers observed ingestion of 1 of 2 daily HAART doses, 5 days per week, and questioned the patient about the second dose, which enabled intense adherence monitoring and real-time intervention. From November 2001 through November 2003, there were 67 DAART patients enrolled (69% Latino, 21% African American, and 9% white; 63% with annual income of <10,000 dollars). Preliminary findings show that a DAART program based in 3 public HIV/AIDS clinics was feasible in a low-income urban population. Effective communication between the DAART staff, the medical providers, and the pharmacy is essential for the successful implementation of this program.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Directly Observed Therapy*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Health Personnel
  • Health Planning Guidelines
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Poverty

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents