A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that many people living with HIV in the United States still struggle to take their medications as prescribed. Routine antiretroviral treatment medication is important for maintaining good health and helping end the HIV epidemic. The CDC’s Medical Monitoring Project surveyed nearly 4,000 people for behaviors and clinical characteristics of people living with diagnosed HIV.
Taking all medications as prescribed, treatment adherence leads to better overall health outcomes for people living with HIV. Antiretrovirals suppress the viral load count so that HIV is at an undetectable level, meaning the virus cannot be transmitted to others through sexual contact and one’s immune system stays healthier.
According to the report, 62% of people were virally suppressed at their most recent HIV viral load test. However, that number dropped to 59% among those who maintained viral suppression over a 12-month period.
Respondents reported several factors that made it difficult to take their medications as prescribed. These included being busy with work or family responsibilities, financial struggles or problems with health insurance, and mental health challenges.
To address the lack of sustained viral suppression, HIV-care providers can implement reminder tools. Innovations such as SMS reminders, check-in calls, or mobile apps could be utilized to help people living with HIV remember to take their medications, even when life gets busy or other challenges arise.
By providing support to address these barriers, HIV-care providers can encourage patients to stay consistent with their treatment and maintain long-term viral suppression.
Lauren Natoli is the Director of Advocacy and Policy Research in the Public Health Division of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
