Three types of adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy and their association with AIDS diagnosis, medication side-effects, beliefs about antiretroviral therapy, and beliefs about HIV disease.

One hundred and ninety-three adults with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy completed a questionnaire on demographics, health beliefs, medication side-effects, and adherence to dose, schedule, and dietary instructions. Three health beliefs indices were identified: antiretroviral therapy (ART) benefits, ART adherence self-efficacy, and beliefs about future HIV-related health concerns. Patients who experienced medication side-effects reported strong beliefs that HIV infection would cause them future health problems or distrust in the benefits of ART. AIDS diagnosis obtained through medical records or medication side-effects were not related to any of the three types of adherence. Beliefs about future HIV-related health concerns were associated with suboptimal dose adherence. Beliefs about ART benefits were associated with suboptimal schedule and dietary instructions adherence. Older age and partner were protective factors of schedule adherence. Data suggest that health beliefs may vary across type of adherence and that adherence behaviours may be a coping strategy to adjust antiretroviral therapy to one's daily living.