Levels of adherence to contemporary antiretroviral regimens and the likelihood of viral suppression: a cohort study in a Brazilian metropolis.

Levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can affect the likelihood of viral suppression differentially among ART regimens. In this prospective cohort conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, we included 354 individuals who initiated ART containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/efavirenz in fixed-dose combination (TDF/3TC/EFV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine associated with dolutegravir (TDF/3TC + DTG). Viral suppression (viral load <50 copies/mL) was evaluated within six months of follow-up at different adherence levels and by therapeutic regimen. Adherence was measured by the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) and classified into low (≤84%), intermediate (85-89%) or high (≥90%). The association between viral suppression, adherence levels, and other explanatory variables was analyzed using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Viral suppression was achieved by 76.0% of individuals and was more frequent among those who achieved higher levels of adherence (high adherence: 79.3%, intermediate: 71.4% and low: 45.2%), those on TDF/3TC + DTG, and those who had viral load ≤100,000 copies/mL at the onset of treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, individuals on TDF/3TC + DTG had an approximately 90% probability of achieving viral suppression at intermediate adherence levels. These results add new insights on the possibility of lower adherence levels for contemporary antiretroviral regimens currently used as first-line therapy worldwide.

Factors associated with high medication regimen complexity in primary care older adults in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Complex medication regimens are common among older adults and contribute to the occurrence of undesirable health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with high medication regimen complexity in older people. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with older adults selected from two primary healthcare units. Medication regimen complexity was measured using the Brazilian version of the Medication Regimen Complexity Index. The Pearson's Chi square test was used to analyse the individual association of each independent variable with high medication regimen complexity. The backward stepwise method was used to obtain the final multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: We included 227 older adults with a median age of 70 years who were mostly females (70.9%). The median total Medication Regimen Complexity Index was 20.8 for high complexity and 10.5 for patients that were not using high complexity regimens. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index section with higher median scores in both groups was dosing frequency, followed by additional instructions. High complexity was associated with diabetes (OR 5.42; p = 0.00 2.69-10.93) and asthma/Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (OR 2.96(1.22-7.18); p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Older people in primary care with diabetes and respiratory disease were most likely to have complex medication regimens. Dosing frequency and additional instructions were medication regime complexity index components that most contributed to the high complexity in medication regime of older adults.

Does switching from multiple to single-tablet regimen containing the same antiretroviral drugs improve adherence? A group-based trajectory modeling analysis.

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) in single-tablet regimens (STR) is a simplification strategy that can potentially improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1206 patients using efavirenz, tenofovir and lamivudine in multiple-tablet regimen who switched to the STR containing the same active ingredients in a southeast metropolis in Brazil. We measured adherence using the proportion of days covered (PDC≥95%) and evaluated this outcome before and after the switch using paired non-parametric statistics. Additionally, we used group-based trajectory modeling to identify adherence patterns to cART for each period and evaluate the migration behavior of patients between the trajectory groups. We observed a 14% increase in the proportion of adherent patients after switching to STR and a 6.2% increase in the proportion of patients with CD4 count>500 cells/µl (p < 0.001), without changes in viral load outcomes. We identified four adherence trajectories in each period. Most patients (60%, n = 722) migrated towards a group with better adherence trajectory or remained in the trajectory group with the highest probability of adherence after the switch. Our findings suggest that the implementation of the STR had a positive impact on adherence and CD4 count. This may potentially improve virologic outcomes later on treatment.

New patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence: the PEDIA scale.

This study sought to develop and evaluate a new patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The Perceived Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence (PEDIA) scale was developed based on individual interviews with patients. After pilot testing and assessing the evidence based on content analysis, the scale's revisions resulted in a 40-item version. The PEDIA was applied to 415 HIV-infected adults receiving ART for a maximum of 180 days, recruited from three healthcare facilities of reference in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, item response theory, temporal stability, and predictive test-criterion relationship. The scale's final version contains 18 items distributed in three dimensions, as follows: cognitive and routine problems (4 items); medication and health concerns (6 items); and patient's fears and feelings (8 items). The results of McDonald's omega and temporal stability demonstrate that the PEDIA is internally consistent and yields stable scores over time. The assessment of the information's functions suggested that the three dimensions were informative for assessing a broad range of latent traits. Evidence concerning the test-criterion relationship confirmed that the PEDIA was able to predict non-adherence three months later. Our findings suggest that the PEDIA is a psychometrically adequate tool for evaluating perceived barriers in adult patients initiating ART. It could be used in both research and clinical practice for the early detection of patients at risk of non-adherence and for the identification of potentially modifiable barriers.

Comparison of the predictive performance of adherence measures for virologic failure detection in people living with HIV: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis.

A critical feature of an adherence assessment tool is its ability to predict virologic failure in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We, therefore, aimed to compare the predictive performance of commonly used adherence measures. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS up to February 2018, to identify relevant observational studies comparing the effects of any two of the following adherence measurements on virologic outcomes: electronic monitoring, pill count, pharmacy refill, self-report and physician assessment. We analyzed data by pairwise meta-analyzes with a random-effects model. The proportion of virologic failures among non-adherent participants in each adherence measure was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR), with 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI). Heterogeneity was assessed, with potential causes identified by sensitivity and subgroup analysis. We included 38 studies with individual patient data for 18,010 patients. All possible comparisons between pairs of the five adherence measures were considered and a total of nine comparison groups could be established. Meta-analysis suggested that self-report was a better predictor of virologic failure than pill count when the recall period was within one week (OR: 2.35, 95%CI: 1.07-5.18, p = 0.03). Physician assessment had higher odds of predicting virologic failure than did either self-report (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.37-5.26, p < 0.01) or pharmacy refill (OR: 3.57, 95%CI: 1.69-7.14, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the predictive performance between any of the other measures that we were able to compare (p > 0.05). The combination of multiple measures did not increase the predictive value when compared to any of the measures alone. Low-cost and simple adherence measures such as self-report predict virologic failure better than or equally well as objective measures. Our results suggest that there is no need to use expensive or time-consuming adherence measures when the objective is to identify PLHIV at risk of treatment failure.

New patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence: the PEDIA scale / Uma nova medida de desfecho relatada pelo paciente para avaliar barreiras percebidas à adesão à terapia antirretroviral: a escala PEDIA / Una nueva medida de resultados apreciados por pacientes para evaluar los obstáculos percibidos en la adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral: la escala PEDIA

Abstract: This study sought to develop and evaluate a new patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The Perceived Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence (PEDIA) scale was developed based on individual interviews with patients. After pilot testing and assessing the evidence based on content analysis, the scale's revisions resulted in a 40-item version. The PEDIA was applied to 415 HIV-infected adults receiving ART for a maximum of 180 days, recruited from three healthcare facilities of reference in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, item response theory, temporal stability, and predictive test-criterion relationship. The scale's final version contains 18 items distributed in three dimensions, as follows: cognitive and routine problems (4 items); medication and health concerns (6 items); and patient's fears and feelings (8 items). The results of McDonald's omega and temporal stability demonstrate that the PEDIA is internally consistent and yields stable scores over time. The assessment of the information's functions suggested that the three dimensions were informative for assessing a broad range of latent traits. Evidence concerning the test-criterion relationship confirmed that the PEDIA was able to predict non-adherence three months later. Our findings suggest that the PEDIA is a psychometrically adequate tool for evaluating perceived barriers in adult patients initiating ART. It could be used in both research and clinical practice for the early detection of patients at risk of non-adherence and for the identification of potentially modifiable barriers.

Resumo: Este estudo teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma nova medida de desfecho relatada pelo paciente para avaliar barreiras percebidas à adesão à terapia antirretroviral (TARV). A escala Percepção de Dificuldades com o Tratamento Antirretroviral (PEDIA) foi desenvolvida com base em entrevistas com pacientes. Após teste piloto e avaliação de evidências com base no conteúdo do teste, revisões da escala resultaram em uma versão com 40 itens. A PEDIA foi aplicada em 415 adultos soropositivos para HIV que receberam TARV por um máximo de 180 dias, recrutados de três unidades de saúde de referência na cidade de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. As análises incluíram análise fatorial exploratória, consistência interna, teoria da resposta ao item, estabilidade temporal, e relação preditiva teste-critério. A versão final da escala contém 18 itens distribuídos em três dimensões, no caso: problemas cognitivos e de rotina (4 itens); preocupações com medicamentos e saúde (6 itens); e medos e sentimentos do paciente (8 itens). Resultados do ômega de McDonald e estabilidade temporal demonstram que a PEDIA é internamente consistente e produz escores estáveis ao longo do tempo. As funções de informação do teste sugerem que as três dimensões foram informativas na avaliação de uma ampla gama do traço latente. Evidências relacionadas à relação teste-critério confirmaram que a PEDIA foi capaz de prever não-adesão três meses depois. Nossos resultados sugerem que a PEDIA é uma ferramenta robusta do ponto de vista psicométrico para a avaliação das barreiras percebidas por pacientes adultos que iniciam TARV. Ela pode ser usada em contextos clínicos e de pesquisa para a detecção precoce de pacientes em risco de não-adesão e para a identificação de barreiras potencialmente modificáveis.

Resumen: Este estudio se propone desarrollar y evaluar una nueva medida de resultados informados por los pacientes para evaluar los obstáculos percibidos en la adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral (ARV). Las barreras percibidas para la adherencia a la terapia antirretroviral según la escala Percepción de Dificuldades con el Tratamiento Antirretroviral (PEDIA) se desarrollaron basándose en entrevistas a pacientes individuales. Tras unas pruebas piloto, y evaluando evidencias basadas en el contenido de las pruebas, las revisiones de la escala resultaron en una versión de 40 ítems. PEDIA se administró a 415 adultos infectados de VIH que recibían ARV durante un máximo de 180 días, captados en tres centros de salud de referencia en la ciudad de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Los análisis incluyeron el análisis exploratorio factorial, la consistencia interna, la teoría de respuesta al ítem, estabilidad temporal, y validez de criterio en las pruebas predictivas. La versión final de la escala final cuenta con 18 ítems distribuidos en las siguientes tres dimensiones: problemas cognitivos y rutinarios (4 ítems); medicación y problemas de salud (6 ítems); además de miedos y sentimientos del paciente (8 ítems). Los resultados del omega McDonald y la estabilidad temporal demuestran que PEDIA es internamente consistente y obtiene puntuaciones estables en marcadores con el paso de los años. Las pruebas de información sugirieron que las tres dimensiones fueron informativas, evaluando un amplio abanico de características latentes. Las evidencias respecto a la relación entre las pruebas y los criterios confirmaron que PEDIA era capaz de predecir la no-adherencia tres meses después. Nuestros resultados sugieren que PEDIA es una herramienta psicométrica para evaluar los obstáculos percibidos en pacientes adultos que comienzan una ARV. Se puede utilizar tanto en el entorno de investigación, como en el de la práctica clínica para una detección temprana de pacientes con riesgo de no adherencia y la identificación de obstáculos potencialmente modificables.

Improving community mobilization in HIV treatment management: practical suggestions from patients in Brazil / Mejorar la movilización comunitaria en el manejo del tratamiento para la infección por el VIH: sugerencias prácticas de pacientes en Brasil / Melhorando a mobilização da comunidade no manejo do tratamento do HIV: sugestões práticas de pacientes no Brasil

[English]. Objectives. To describe patients’ suggestions on improving the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to identify the roles that key stakeholders should play in taking responsibility for those recommendations. Methods. This research was embedded within a national cross-sectional study on patient adherence to ART and the associated factors. A subsample of the study patients were asked to offer suggestions on how to improve daily management of ART, and their answers were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The recommendations were then interpreted in terms of who should be responsible for them, and the suggestions were organized into three levels: micro (patient), meso (health care team), and macro (researchers, policymakers, family, friends, and the general public). Results. Of the 552 participants from the subsample, 60% were male, their average age was 44.1 years, and 62% were nonadherent in at least at one of three dimensions (missing doses, improper timing, or improper dosing). The categories underlying the micro level were “believing in treatment efficacy,” “being motivated,” “accepting HIV status,” and “sharing experiences with other patients.” At the meso level the suggestion categories were “more information from health care providers” and “humanization of care.” The macro level categories were “social support and actions against stigma,” “research proposals,” and “improvement of health care services.” Conclusions. Patients are influenced by the health policies, care, and support offered by health care providers, organizations, policymakers, and communities. In turn, these stakeholders develop the policies and deliver their care and support based on the responses and actions of patients. All stakeholders should work together to engage, educate, and support patients in addressing ART management.

[Português]. Objetivos. Descrever as sugestões dos pacientes para melhorar o manejo da terapia antirretroviral (TAR) e identificar os deveres dos principais interessados diretos ao assumir a responsabilidade por estas recomendações. Métodos. Esta pesquisa faz parte de um estudo transversal nacional sobre a adesão dos pacientes à TAR e fatores associados. Foi pedido a uma submostra dos participantes do estudo que fizessem sugestões de como melhorar o manejo diário da TAR. As respostas foram analisadas com um enfoque de análise do conteúdo. As recomendações foram interpretadas segundo a quem cabe a responsabilidade por elas e as sugestões foram organizadas em três níveis: micro (paciente), meso (equipe de saúde) e macro (pesquisadores, responsáveis por políticas, familiares, amigos e o público em geral). Resultados. Dos 552 participantes incluído na submostra, 60% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 44,1 anos, e 62% não aderiam a, pelo menos, uma das três dimensões (deixar de tomar a dose, tomar o medicamento em horário inadequado ou usar a dose incorreta). As categorias do nível micro foram: ‘’acreditar na eficácia de tratamento, ‘’estar motivado’’, ‘’aceitar ser portador do HIV” e “partilhar experiências com outros pacientes”. Ao nível meso, as categorias de sugestão foram: “mais informações dos profissionais da saúde” e “humanização da atenção”. As categorias do nível macro foram: “apoio social e medidas para combater o estigma’’, ‘’propostas de pesquisa” e “melhoria dos serviços de saúde ”. Conclusões. Os pacientes são influenciados por políticas e atenção de saúde e apoio prestado pelos profissionais da saúde, organizações, responsáveis por políticas e comunidades. Por sua vez, os interessados diretos elaboram as políticas e prestam atenção e apoio de acordo com as respostas e ações dos pacientes. Todos os envolvidos devem trabalhar juntos para comprometer, educar e apoiar os pacientes no manejo da TAR.

[Español]. Objetivos: Describir las sugerencias de los pacientes sobre cómo mejorar el manejo del tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) y determinar qué funciones deben desempeñar los interesados directos clave al asumir las responsabilidades con relación a estas recomendaciones. Métodos: Esta investigación se realizó como parte de un estudio transversal nacional sobre el grado de cumplimiento del tratamiento antirretroviral por parte de los pacientes y los factores asociados. A una submuestra de los pacientes del estudio se le solicitó que ofreciera sus sugerencias sobre cómo mejorar el manejo diario del tratamiento antirretroviral y las respuestas se analizaron mediante un enfoque de análisis de contenidos. Luego se analizaron las recomendaciones en función de quién debería asumir las responsabilidades al respecto y las sugerencias se organizaron en tres niveles: micro (paciente), meso (equipo de atención de salud) y macro (investigadores, responsables de formular políticas, familia, amigos y el público en general). Resultados: De los 552 participantes de la submuestra, 60% eran hombres, la edad promedio fue de 44,1 años y el 62% no siguieron el tratamiento en al menos una de las tres dimensiones (se saltaron alguna dosis o seguían horarios o dosificaciones inadecuados). A nivel micro, las categorías se referían a “creer en la eficacia de tratamiento”, “estar motivado”, “aceptar el estado con respecto a la infección por el VIH” e “intercambiar experiencias con otros pacientes”. En el nivel meso, las sugerencias entraban en las categorías “recibir más información por parte de los prestadores de atención de salud” y “humanizer la atención”. Las categorías del nivel macro fueron “apoyo social e iniciativas contra el estigma”, “propuestas de investigación” y “mejorar los servicios de atención de salud”. Conclusiones: Los pacientes reciben la influencia de las políticas en materia de salud, la atención de salud y el apoyo ofrecido por prestadores de atención de salud, organizaciones, comunidades y los responsables de las políticas. A su vez, los interesados directos formulan políticas y prestan su asistencia y apoyo con base en las respuestas y las iniciativas de los pacientes. Todos los interesados directos deben colaborar para involucrar, educar y apoyar a los pacientes en el manejo del tratamiento antirretroviral.

Quality of life and associated characteristics: application of WHOQOL-BREF in the context of Primary Health Care. / Qualidade de vida e características associadas: aplicação do WHOQOL-BREF no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde.

This study aimed to identify the characteristics associated to quality of life (QOL) in users of four Basic Health Units (Unidades Básicas de Saúde, UBS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 930 adult users enrolled in the selected UBS, using a questionnaire containing the WHOQOL-bref instrument and questions about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and health conditions. Following descriptive analysis, we performed simple and multiple linear regression to evaluate the association between the exposure variables and the QOL domains. The highest mean values of QOL were observed in the social relationships domain. The lowest means were observed in the environment domain, with a statistically significant difference between some of the UBS. The worst perceptions of QOL were related to worse health, housing, education and income conditions, as well as problems in social relationships and psychological conditions. Actions are needed to improve QOL in Primary Health Care users through actions promoted by both health professionals and public managers.

Qualidade de vida e características associadas: aplicação do WHOQOL-BREF no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde / Quality of life and associated characteristics: application of WHOQOL-BREF in the context of Primary Health Care

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as características associadas à qualidade de vida (QV) em usuários de quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Delineou-se um estudo transversal com 930 usuários adultos e cadastrados nas UBS selecionadas. Utilizou-se o um questionário contendo o instrumento WHOQOL-bref e perguntas sobre características sociodemográficas, estilo de vida e condições de saúde. Após análise descritiva, realizou-se regressão linear simples e múltipla para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis de exposição e os domínios da QV. As maiores médias de QV foram observadas no domínio relações sociais. No domínio ambiente foram observadas as menores médias, com diferença estatisticamente significante entre algumas das UBS. As piores percepções de QV relacionaram-se com piores condições de saúde, habitação, educação e renda, além de problemas nas relações sociais e condições psicológicas. São necessários esforços para a melhoria da QV em usuários da Atenção Primária, por meio de ações promovidas tanto por profissionais de saúde quanto por gestores públicos.

Abstract This study aimed to identify the characteristics associated to quality of life (QOL) in users of four Basic Health Units (Unidades Básicas de Saúde, UBS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 930 adult users enrolled in the selected UBS, using a questionnaire containing the WHOQOL-bref instrument and questions about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and health conditions. Following descriptive analysis, we performed simple and multiple linear regression to evaluate the association between the exposure variables and the QOL domains. The highest mean values of QOL were observed in the social relationships domain. The lowest means were observed in the environment domain, with a statistically significant difference between some of the UBS. The worst perceptions of QOL were related to worse health, housing, education and income conditions, as well as problems in social relationships and psychological conditions. Actions are needed to improve QOL in Primary Health Care users through actions promoted by both health professionals and public managers.

Improving community mobilization in HIV treatment management: practical suggestions from patients in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patients' suggestions on improving the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to identify the roles that key stakeholders should play in taking responsibility for those recommendations. METHODS: This research was embedded within a national cross-sectional study on patient adherence to ART and the associated factors. A subsample of the study patients were asked to offer suggestions on how to improve daily management of ART, and their answers were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The recommendations were then interpreted in terms of who should be responsible for them, and the suggestions were organized into three levels: micro (patient), meso (health care team), and macro (researchers, policymakers, family, friends, and the general public). RESULTS: Of the 552 participants from the subsample, 60% were male, their average age was 44.1 years, and 62% were nonadherent in at least at one of three dimensions (missing doses, improper timing, or improper dosing). The categories underlying the micro level were "believing in treatment efficacy," "being motivated," "accepting HIV status," and "sharing experiences with other patients." At the meso level the suggestion categories were "more information from health care providers" and "humanization of care." The macro level categories were "social support and actions against stigma," "research proposals," and "improvement of health care services." CONCLUSIONS: Patients are influenced by the health policies, care, and support offered by health care providers, organizations, policymakers, and communities. In turn, these stakeholders develop the policies and deliver their care and support based on the responses and actions of patients. All stakeholders should work together to engage, educate, and support patients in addressing ART management.

Improving community mobilization in HIV treatment management: practical suggestions from patients in Brazil / Mejorar la movilización comunitaria en el manejo del tratamiento para la infección por el VIH: sugerencias prácticas de pacientes en Brasil / Melhorando a mobilização da comunidade no manejo do tratamento do HIV: sugestões práticas de pacientes no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe patients' suggestions on improving the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to identify the roles that key stakeholders should play in taking responsibility for those recommendations. Methods This research was embedded within a national cross-sectional study on patient adherence to ART and the associated factors. A subsample of the study patients were asked to offer suggestions on how to improve daily management of ART, and their answers were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The recommendations were then interpreted in terms of who should be responsible for them, and the suggestions were organized into three levels: micro (patient), meso (health care team), and macro (researchers, policymakers, family, friends, and the general public). Results Of the 552 participants from the subsample, 60% were male, their average age was 44.1 years, and 62% were nonadherent in at least at one of three dimensions (missing doses, improper timing, or improper dosing). The categories underlying the micro level were "believing in treatment efficacy," "being motivated," "accepting HIV status," and "sharing experiences with other patients." At the meso level the suggestion categories were "more information from health care providers" and "humanization of care." The macro level categories were "social support and actions against stigma," "research proposals," and "improvement of health care services." Conclusions Patients are influenced by the health policies, care, and support offered by health care providers, organizations, policymakers, and communities. In turn, these stakeholders develop the policies and deliver their care and support based on the responses and actions of patients. All stakeholders should work together to engage, educate, and support patients in addressing ART management.

RESUMEN Objetivos Describir las sugerencias de los pacientes sobre cómo mejorar el manejo del tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) y determinar qué funciones deben desempeñar los interesados directos clave al asumir las responsabilidades con relación a estas recomendaciones. Métodos Esta investigación se realizó como parte de un estudio transversal nacional sobre el grado de cumplimiento del tratamiento antirretroviral por parte de los pacientes y los factores asociados. A una submuestra de los pacientes del estudio se le solicitó que ofreciera sus sugerencias sobre cómo mejorar el manejo diario del tratamiento antirretroviral y las respuestas se analizaron mediante un enfoque de análisis de contenidos. Luego se analizaron las recomendaciones en función de quién debería asumir las responsabilidades al respecto y las sugerencias se organizaron en tres niveles: micro (paciente), meso (equipo de atención de salud) y macro (investigadores, responsables de formular políticas, familia, amigos y el público en general). Resultados De los 552 participantes de la submuestra, 60% eran hombres, la edad promedio fue de 44,1 años y el 62% no siguieron el tratamiento en al menos una de las tres dimensiones (se saltaron alguna dosis o seguían horarios o dosificaciones inadecuados). A nivel micro, las categorías se referían a "creer en la eficacia de tratamiento", "estar motivado", "aceptar el estado con respecto a la infección por el VIH" e "intercambiar experiencias con otros pacientes". En el nivel meso, las sugerencias entraban en las categorías "recibir más información por parte de los prestadores de atención de salud" y "humanizar la atención". Las categorías del nivel macro fueron "apoyo social e iniciativas contra el estigma", "propuestas de investigación" y "mejorar los servicios de atención de salud". Conclusiones Los pacientes reciben la influencia de las políticas en materia de salud, la atención de salud y el apoyo ofrecido por prestadores de atención de salud, organizaciones, comunidades y los responsables de las políticas. A su vez, los interesados directos formulan políticas y prestan su asistencia y apoyo con base en las respuestas y las iniciativas de los pacientes. Todos los interesados directos deben colaborar para involucrar, educar y apoyar a los pacientes en el manejo del tratamiento antirretroviral.

RESUMO Objetivos Descrever as sugestões dos pacientes para melhorar o manejo da terapia antirretroviral (TAR) e identificar os deveres dos principais interessados diretos ao assumir a responsabilidade por estas recomendações. Métodos Esta pesquisa faz parte de um estudo transversal nacional sobre a adesão dos pacientes à TAR e fatores associados. Foi pedido a uma submostra dos participantes do estudo que fizessem sugestões de como melhorar o manejo diário da TAR. As respostas foram analisadas com um enfoque de análise do conteúdo. As recomendações foram interpretadas segundo a quem cabe a responsabilidade por elas e as sugestões foram organizadas em três níveis: micro (paciente), meso (equipe de saúde) e macro (pesquisadores, responsáveis por políticas, familiares, amigos e o público em geral). Resultados Dos 552 participantes incluído na submostra, 60% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 44,1 anos, e 62% não aderiam a, pelo menos, uma das três dimensões (deixar de tomar a dose, tomar o medicamento em horário inadequado ou usar a dose incorreta). As categorias do nível micro foram: ''acreditar na eficácia de tratamento, ''estar motivado'', ''aceitar ser portador do HIV" e "partilhar experiências com outros pacientes". Ao nível meso, as categorias de sugestão foram: "mais informações dos profissionais da saúde" e "humanização da atenção". As categorias do nível macro foram: "apoio social e medidas para combater o estigma'', ''propostas de pesquisa" e "melhoria dos serviços de saúde ". Conclusões Os pacientes são influenciados por políticas e atenção de saúde e apoio prestado pelos profissionais da saúde, organizações, responsáveis por políticas e comunidades. Por sua vez, os interessados diretos elaboram as políticas e prestam atenção e apoio de acordo com as respostas e ações dos pacientes. Todos os envolvidos devem trabalhar juntos para comprometer, educar e apoiar os pacientes no manejo da TAR.

An evaluation of elderly people's understanding of pharmacotherapy among those treated in the Primary Healthcare System in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. / Avaliação da compreensão da farmacoterapia entre idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.

There are a greater number of elderly people with diseases which has led to a greater use in medication and complexity in pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to understand the level of understanding on pharmacotherapy amongst the elderly and associated factors. An analytical transversal study was carried out in the Primary Health Care Units. Sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics relative to the use of medication were explored. The level of understanding was obtained after a concordance analysis had been done based on the responses from the interviewees and the information on the medical prescriptions such as: name of medication, dosage, frequency, indication, precautions and side effects. The global level of understanding was classified as insufficient in cases where the discordance was ≥ 30%. Of the 227 elderly people interviewed, 51.1% showed an insufficient understanding in relation to their medication. We carried out multivariate logistic regression to observe the factors associated with an understanding of pharmacotherapy. We noted that those with a low level of education and a dependency on the use of medication showed insufficient understanding. (p < 0,05). It is necessary to implement strategies to increase the quality of the guidance given to the elderly and to ensure compliance.

Avaliação da compreensão da farmacoterapia entre idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil / An evaluation of elderly people´s understanding of pharmacotherapy among those treated in the Primary Healthcare System in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Resumo Os idosos apresentam maior número de doenças, levando a maior uso de medicamentos e a farmacoterapia mais complexa. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o nível de compreensão da farmacoterapia entre idosos e fatores associados. Realizou-se estudo transversal analítico em Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foram investigadas as características sociodemográficas, clínicas, funcionais e relativas ao uso de medicamentos. O nível de compreensão foi obtido após a análise de concordância entre a resposta do entrevistado e a informação contida na prescrição para: nome do medicamento, dose, frequência, indicação, precauções e efeitos adversos. O nível global de compreensão foi classificado como insuficiente em caso de discordância ≥ 30%. Dos 227 idosos entrevistados, 51,1% apresentaram compreensão insuficiente em relação aos medicamentos. Realizou-se regressão logística multivariada para observar os fatores associados à compreensão da farmacoterapia, sendo menor escolaridade e dependência para uso dos medicamentos os que apresentaram associação com a compreensão insuficiente (p < 0,05). É necessário implementar estratégias para aumentar a qualidade das orientações fornecidas aos idosos e garantir seu cumprimento.

Abstract There are a greater number of elderly people with diseases which has led to a greater use in medication and complexity in pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to understand the level of understanding on pharmacotherapy amongst the elderly and associated factors. An analytical transversal study was carried out in the Primary Health Care Units. Sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics relative to the use of medication were explored. The level of understanding was obtained after a concordance analysis had been done based on the responses from the interviewees and the information on the medical prescriptions such as: name of medication, dosage, frequency, indication, precautions and side effects. The global level of understanding was classified as insufficient in cases where the discordance was ≥ 30%. Of the 227 elderly people interviewed, 51.1% showed an insufficient understanding in relation to their medication. We carried out multivariate logistic regression to observe the factors associated with an understanding of pharmacotherapy. We noted that those with a low level of education and a dependency on the use of medication showed insufficient understanding. (p < 0,05). It is necessary to implement strategies to increase the quality of the guidance given to the elderly and to ensure compliance.

[Access to medicines for Alzheimer's disease provided by the Brazilian Unified National Health System in Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Acesso aos medicamentos para tratamento da doença de Alzheimer fornecidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais, Brasil.

This study evaluated barriers to access to treatment for Alzheimer's disease based on administrative cases involving cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and submitted to the Minas Gerais State Health Secretariat in Brazil in 2012 and 2013. Drawing on data from 165 randomly selected cases, the study addressed the following dimensions of access: geographic accessibility, accommodation, acceptability, availability, and affordability. The administrative processing to supply ChEIs took an average of 39 days and was influenced by characteristics of the path taken by the user. The majority of the prescribers met less than 80% of the required criteria in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (CPTG) for Alzheimer's disease. As a result, 38% of requests for medication were denied. Private treatment with ChEIs cost the equivalent of 21 days of the monthly minimum wage. In conclusion, bureaucratic administrative procedures and prescribers' difficulty in following the CPTG hindered access to treatment of Alzheimer's disease and imposed a heavy burden on patients' pockets.

Acesso aos medicamentos para tratamento da doença de Alzheimer fornecidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais, Brasil / Access to medicines for Alzheimer's disease provided by the Brazilian Unified National Health System in Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Acceso a los medicamentos para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer disponibles en el Sistema Único de Salud en Minas Gerais, Brasil

Resumo: Avaliou-se as barreiras de acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer com base nos processos administrativos de medicamentos inibidores da colinesterase (IChE), enviados à Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2012 e 2013. Utilizando-se informações de 165 processos selecionados aleatoriamente, abordaram-se as dimensões de acesso: acessibilidade geográfica, acomodação, aceitabilidade, disponibilidade e capacidade aquisitiva. O trâmite administrativo para o fornecimento dos IChE levou em média 39 dias e foi influenciado por características do trajeto percorrido pelo usuário. A maioria dos prescritores cumpriu menos de 80% dos critérios exigidos pelo Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) da doença de Alzheimer. Como resultado, 38% dos processos não foram deferidos. A capacidade aquisitiva para o tratamento privado mensal com IChE foi de cerca de 21 dias de salário mínimo. Conclui-se que a burocracia do trâmite administrativo e a dificuldade de seguimento do PCDT pelos prescritores prejudicam o acesso ao tratamento da doença de Alzheimer e constituem uma grande carga para o orçamento dos pacientes.

Abstract: This study evaluated barriers to access to treatment for Alzheimer's disease based on administrative cases involving cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and submitted to the Minas Gerais State Health Secretariat in Brazil in 2012 and 2013. Drawing on data from 165 randomly selected cases, the study addressed the following dimensions of access: geographic accessibility, accommodation, acceptability, availability, and affordability. The administrative processing to supply ChEIs took an average of 39 days and was influenced by characteristics of the path taken by the user. The majority of the prescribers met less than 80% of the required criteria in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (CPTG) for Alzheimer's disease. As a result, 38% of requests for medication were denied. Private treatment with ChEIs cost the equivalent of 21 days of the monthly minimum wage. In conclusion, bureaucratic administrative procedures and prescribers' difficulty in following the CPTG hindered access to treatment of Alzheimer's disease and imposed a heavy burden on patients' pockets.

Resumen: Se evaluaron las barreras de acceso al tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer a partir de los procesos administrativos de medicamentos inhibidores de la colinesterasis (IChE), enviados a la Secretaría de Estado de Salud de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2012 y 2013. Utilizando información de 165 procesos seleccionados aleatoriamente, se abordaron las dimensiones de acceso: accesibilidad geográfica, comodidad, aceptabilidad, disponibilidad y capacidad adquisitiva. El trámite administrativo para la provisión de los IChE llevó un promedio de 39 días y fue influenciado por características del trayecto recorrido por el usuario. La mayoría de los prescriptores cumplió menos de 80% de los criterios exigidos por el Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas (PCDT) de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Como resultado, un 38% de los procesos no fueron concedidos. La capacidad adquisitiva para el tratamiento privado mensual con IChE fue de cerca de 21 días de salario mínimo. Se concluyó que la burocracia del trámite administrativo y la dificultad de seguimiento del PCDT por los prescriptores perjudican el acceso al tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y constituye una gran carga económica para el bolsillo de los pacientes.