How do you monitor HIV treatment?
2 important blood tests are:HIV viral load test – a blood test that monitors the amount of HIV virus in your blood.CD4 lymphocyte cell count – which measures how the HIV has affected your immune system.
How is HIV medication adherence measured?
Common methods for measuring adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications involve using patient self-reports [8–10]; pill counts [11, 12]; pharmacy dispensing data [7, 13–15] and, primarily in research settings, electronic medication monitors [16–19].
How is HIV status measured?
There are three types of tests available: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests. HIV tests are typically performed on blood or oral fluid. They may also be performed on urine. A NAT looks for the actual virus in the blood and involves drawing blood from a vein.
What is the easiest method of assessing adherence to HIV medication?
However, pill counts remain an inexpensive and relatively easy method of obtaining adherence estimates.
What is the most accurate way of checking adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy?
Adherence to HAART can be measured by a variety of methods. The most commonly used methods are pill counts, review of pharmacy records, self-reporting, and use of such electronic medication-monitoring devices as MEMS. No single method has been established as the “gold standard” for measuring adherence.
How would you promote adherence of a patient on Arvs?
Provide follow-up clinic visits, telephone calls, text messages, and telemedicine visits to support and assess adherence. Provide access to support groups, peer groups, or one-on-one counseling for caregivers and patients, especially for those with known depression or drug use issues that decrease adherence.
What are side effects of protease inhibitors?
Confirmed potential side effects of protease inhibitors are:Insulin resistance.Nausea and diarrhea.Development of gallstones or kidney stones.Changes in how things taste.Insomnia.Elevated numbers in liver function tests.Rash or dry skin.Elevated cholesterol.More items...•
How often will I need to test for viral load to be sure the medication is working properly?
You will probably be tested again every three to four months to see if your viral levels have changed since your first test. If you are being treated for HIV, your health care provider may order regular viral load tests to see how well your medicines are working.
What is adherence to medication?
Everett Koop, M.D. Adherence to (or compliance with) a medication regimen is generally defined as the extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their health care providers.
What causes poor adherence to Arvs?
Previously reported barriers to antiretroviral (ARV) medication adherence include: ART side-effects, social stigma, depression, non-disclosure of HIV status, unemployment, food insecurity, alcohol/substance abuse, alternative forms of therapy, inadequate follow-ups, stock outs, work and family responsibilities, low ...
Is compliance and adherence the same thing?
Compliance is a passive behavior in which a patient is following a list of instructions from the doctor." The article continues, noting, "Adherence is a more positive, proactive behavior, which results in a lifestyle change by the patient, who must follow a daily regimen, such as wearing a prescribed brace.