Medicinal plant use and adherence problems to TB treatment.

BACKGROUND: Good adherence is essential in the treatment of TB. The aim of this study was to describe medication consumption patterns and to assess factors associated with adherence to TB treatment among TB patients in Lomé, Togo.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among TB patients in 10 health structures in Lomé from September 2019 to January 2020. TB patients aged ≥18 years and under treatment for at least 2 months were eligible for this study. Adherence to TB treatment was assessed using the Girerd compliance test.RESULTS: A total of 195 TB patients (61.5% male) with a median age of 35 years (IQR 27-44) were recruited. TB-HIV coinfection was 11.3%. Polypharmacy (≥5 medications/day) and using medicinal plants were observed in respectively 6.2% and 42.6% of patients. Prevalence of TB treatment adherence problems was 68.2% (95% CI 61.2-74.7). Being <35 years (aOR 2.79; P = 0.005) and taking medicinal plants (aOR 4.31; P < 0.001) were associated with TB treatment adherence problems.CONCLUSION: Treatment adherence problems, a major obstacle to TB elimination, are highly prevalent in TB patients in Lomé, and were associated with the use of medicinal plants. Reasons for the use of medicinal plants should be documented in order to propose appropriate interventions to reinforce adherence to TB treatment.

Prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in health professionals in Togo, 2021.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health professionals (HPs) in Togo. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted between 24 February and 3 March 2021 among HPs in Togo. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and intention of vaccination were collected using an online questionnaire. Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was assessed using a single item: "Would you be willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19?". Responses were grouped into three categories: acceptance (Yes, I will get vaccinated), hesitancy (Not decided yet) and refusal (No). Multinomial regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with vaccine hesitancy or refusal. RESULTS: A total of 1115 HPs (79.1% male) with a median age of 35 years were enrolled in the study. Vaccine acceptance, hesitancy and refusal were 44.1%, 32.2% and 23.7%, respectively. Female gender was associated with an increased risk of hesitancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.93; p = 0.005) and refusal (aOR = 1.77; p = 0.005). Participant age ≥ 50 years, having a personal history of COVID-19 infection and a good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination were factors that reduced the risk of refusal [(aOR = 0.30; p < 0.001), (aOR = 0.43; p = 0.031) and (aOR = 0.62; p = 0.020)] or hesitancy [(aOR = 0.53; p = 0.005), (aOR = 0.13; p < 0.001) and (aOR = 0.35; p < 0.001)] of the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine before the vaccination campaign was mixed among HPs, especially young HPs. Sensitisation and information campaigns should be reinforced to combat misinformation and increase COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in the context of the ongoing global pandemic.

Validation of the D:A:D chronic kidney disease risk score in people living with HIV: the IeDEA West Africa Cohort Collaboration.

OBJECTIVES: A risk score for long-term prediction of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been developed using data from the D:A:D cohort. We assessed the performance of the D:A:D risk score in a cohort of PLHIV in West Africa. METHODS: Data from PLHIV starting antiretroviral treatment in four clinics in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo participating in the IeDEA West Africa collaboration were analysed. CKD was defined as two consecutive estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) of ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . The D:A:D score (short version) was calculated using age, gender, nadir CD4 and baseline eGFR and was categorized into low, medium, and high-risk groups. RESULTS: In 14 930 participants (70% female, median age = 38 years; median nadir CD4 count = 183 cells/µL) followed for a median duration of 5.7 years, 660 (4.4%) progressed to CKD, with an incidence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 7.8 (7.2-8.4) per 1000 person-years (PY). CKD incidence rates were 2.4 (2.0-2.8), 8.1 (6.8-9.6) and, 30.9 (28.0-34.1) per 1000 PY in the low-, medium- and high-risk groups, respectively. In the high-risk group, 14.7% (95% CI: 13.3; 16.3) had progressed to CKD at 5 years. Discrimination was good [C-statistics = 0.81 (0.79-0.83)]. In all, 79.4% of people who progressed to CKD were classified in the medium- to high-risk group at baseline (sensitivity) and 66.5% of people classified in the low risk group at baseline did not progress to CKD (specificity). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the validity of the D:A:D score in identifying individuals at risk of developing CKD who could benefit from enhanced kidney monitoring in West African HIV clinics.

Prevalence of HIV infection and hepatitis B and factors associated with them among men who had sex with men in Togo in 2017.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a population at risk of contracting both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of these diseases and the factors associated with them among MSM in Togo in 2017. This cross-sectional study took place in eight major cities in Togo from August through September, 2017. MSM aged 18 years and older were recruited with the respondent-driven sampling method. Data on sexual behavior were collected with a standardized questionnaire. Rapid tests were used to screen for HIV and HBV. In all, 678 MSM with a median age of 23 years (interquartile range: 21-26) were recruited, 68.7% of them living in Lomé, the capital of Togo. The prevalence of HIV was 22.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18.9-25.3) and that of HBV 7.1% (95% CI 5.3-9.3). Seven (1.0%) MSM were co-infected with HIV and HBV. Age, place of residence, living with a male partner, the number of male partners in the 12 months before the study, and history of HIV testing were associated with HIV infection (P<0.05). Age and living in Lomé were associated with HBV infection (P<0.05). The results of this study highlight the importance of focusing response efforts on populations at risk of contracting STIs through routine screening and vaccination.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Togo: a national cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Sub-Saharan Africa is a region with high incidence of both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cervical cancer. We conducted the first national study in Togo to assess prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSW). METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted among FSW recruited in hot spots (clubs, streets) in four Togolese cities. HPV and STIs were tested from cervical and anal swabs. HIV and syphilis were screened with rapid tests. RESULTS: In all, 310 FSW were recruited; HIV and cervical high-risk HPV (hrHPV) prevalence were 10.6% (33/310) and 32.9% (102/310), respectively. The most frequent hrHPV types were HPV58 (13.6%, 19/140), HPV35 (12.9%, 18/140), HPV31 (12.1%, 17/140) and HPV16 (10.7%, 15/140). Prevalence of hrHPV and multiple hrHPV infections showed higher rates in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative FSW (48.5% versus 31.0%, p 0.04 and 21.2% versus 9.0%, p 0.03; respectively). Prevalence of hrHPV was higher in cervical than anal swabs (34.1% versus 20.7%, p 0.0004). High-risk HPV anal infections were more frequent among HIV-positive than HIV-negative FSW (51.9% versus 17.3%, p 2 × 10-5). Concomitant anal and cervical hrHPV infections were present in 43.2% (41/95) of hrHPV-positive FSW. Overall prevalence in the cervix of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis were 4.2%, 6.1%, 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This first African study on paired cervical and anal samples showed a high prevalence of genital HPV infections with a rather high rate of concomitant HPV infections but low type concordance. We report an unusual distribution of hrHPV types. These findings highlight the critical need for implementation of a national HPV vaccination strategy.

Digital Health in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa: Catching Up!

Digital health has the potential to strengthen health systems and empower patients to prevent ill health and manage their own care. To confirm this potential, however, it is urgent to shift from pilot studies to the implementation of programs at a sufficient scale, with interoperable solutions and integrated into the national health system, while respecting human rights. It is also important to plan for studies to demonstrate the impact and produce the necessary evidence. Francophone sub-Saharan Africa can catch up in this area.

[Skin disease and HIV infection among inmates in Lomé, Togo: a study of 194 prisoners]. / Pathologie cutanée et infection à VIH chez les détenus à Lomé, Togo: étude de 194 cas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of skin diseases among inmates in Lomé (Togo) and its relation to their HIV status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study took place from November 14 to December 5, 2011, in the civil prison of Lomé and included prisoners who agreed to have an HIV screening test. RESULTS: In all, 194 prisoners, all men (median age: 29 years), were examined during the study period. The group aged younger than 30 years accounted for 51% of the population. Overall, 166 (85.6%) of the 194 prisoners examined had cutaneous lesions; 153 reported that these had developed after their imprisonment. HIV serology was positive in 21 (10.8%) of the 194 prisoners tested. The most common cutaneous diseases were pruritus (n = 62), fungal infections (n = 45), boils (n = 26), eczema (n = 21), and scabies (n = 20). The frequency of skin disorders did not differ significantly between HIV-infected prisoners and those who were not infected (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows a potential for high prevalence of HIV infection and an existing high prevalence of infectious dermatosis among these prisoners. It is essential to reduce the overpopulation and crowding in prisons to decrease the prevalence of these skin disorders.

[Accessibility of early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in Lome (Togo)]. / Accessibilité au diagnostic précoce de l'infection à VIH chez les enfants à risque de Lomé (Togo).

BACKGROUND: Early infant diagnosis of HIV is the key step for the early initiation of HAART among HIV-exposed children. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of children born to mothers infected with HIV who completed the early infant HIV diagnosis process and the factors associated with this complete process. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Tokoin University Hospital in the pediatrics ward. This study included all HIV-exposed children born between July 2009 and June 2011. The association between the mother's, spouse's, and child's characteristics as well as access to early HIV diagnosis by PCR (blood collection and reporting of results before the 6months of age) was studied using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 455 HIV-exposed children were included: for 52.7%, the first test was PCR, 99 of them received their results, 59 of whom received their results before the 6th month of life (undergoing the complete process). In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with the complete process of early HIV diagnosis was the maternal age≥28years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.75, 95% CI [1.18-2.76]). CONCLUSION: The availability of early infant PCR diagnosis remains a challenge and innovative strategies must be implemented.

[HIV seroprevalence and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Togo]. / Séroprévalence du VIH et facteurs associés chez les hommes ayant des rapports sexuels avec d'autres hommes au Togo.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on HIV infection among vulnerable populations in sub-saharan African countries, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to estimate HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV infection among MSM in Togo in 2011. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among MSM aged at least 18years old, living in Togo for at least 3months. They were recruited through the snowball method in six cities of Togo from November 2011 to January 2012. A survey form was used and an HIV screening test was proposed to the participants. The HIV prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 758 MSM were enrolled in this study, including 498 (67.5%) from Lomé, the capital of Togo. The median age was 24years with an interquartile range of [21-27years] and 271 MSM (35.7%) were students. The vast majority of MSM were Togolese (90.3%) and 14.6% were married or committed to a woman. HIV testing was accepted by 488 MSM (64.3%) but only 408 (53.8%) finally accepted a blood sample collection. The prevalence of HIV infection was 19.6% [95% confidence interval, 15.9-23.8]. In multivariate analysis, three factors were associated with HIV infection: living in Lomé, with an HIV prevalence of 29.8% against 4.3% in the other cities of Togo [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=9.68; P<0.001]; having a good knowledge of HIV transmission modes (aOR=0.59; P=0.049); and not having a regular sex partner (aOR=1.69; P=0.049). CONCLUSION: One MSM out of five was HIV-infected. Intervention programs targeting this vulnerable population are urgently needed, to reduce HIV incidence in Togo.

HIV seroprevalence among inmates in Togo.

BACKGROUND: There is no data on HIV seroprevalence among prisoners in Togo. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Togo from November 2011 to January 2012. The study population was included by selecting the most densely populated prison in each of the six Togo regions, and by including prisoners (at least18years of age and having been in prison for more than 30days) on a voluntary basis. HIV prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and fourty-two prisoners were included in the study. Their median age was 28years, (IQR 25-33years) and 39 (2.9%) were women. The median time spent in the prison was 10months, interquartile range [4-24months]. HIV testing was accepted by 96.0%. HIV seroprevalence in prisons was 4.3%, 95 CI% [3.2-5.5%]. Few prisoners (2.9%) reported having had sex in prisons. The only factor associated with HIV infection was gender with an HIV seroprevalence of 14.3% for women compared to 4.0% for men (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The prevention and the management of HIV infection should be a priority in Togolese prisons. This requires implementing healthcare facilities in prisons.

Cervical human papillomavirus and HIV infection in women of child-bearing age in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 2010.

BACKGROUND: We sought to document the association of Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and immunodeficiency with oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women with no cervical neoplastic lesions identified through a cervical cancer screening programme in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: A consecutive sample of women stratified on their HIV status and attending the national blood donor clinic or the closest HIV clinic was recruited during a cervical cancer screening programme based on the visual inspection. Diagnosis of HPV infection and genotype identification were based on the Linear Array; HPV test. RESULTS: A total of 445 (254 HIV-positive and 191 HIV-negative) women were included. The prevalence of oncogenic HPV infection was 53.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 47.9-59.9) in HIV-positive women and 33.7% (95% CI 27.1-40.3) in HIV-negative women (odds ratio (OR)=2.3 (95% CI 1.5-3.3)). In multivariate analysis, HIV-positive women with a CD4 count <200 cells mm(3) or between 200 and 499 cells mm(3) were more likely to harbour an oncogenic HPV compared with women with a CD4 count ≥500 cells mm(3) with OR of 2.8 (95% CI 1.1-8.1) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.0-2.9), respectively. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of oncogenic HPV was found in women with no cervical neoplastic lesions, especially in HIV-positive women. Despite antiretroviral use, immunodeficiency was a main determinant of the presence of oncogenic HPV.

[Time trends in demographic and clinical characteristics of adult patients on HAART initiation in West Africa]. / Evolution des conditions d'initiation du traitement antirétroviral des patients infectés par le VIH en Afrique de l'Ouest.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the evolution of drug combinations used, as well as the clinical and immunological profile of patients at initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between 1996 and 2006 in West Africa. SETTINGS AND METHOD: IeDEA West Africa is a network of HIV care programs established in 2006. We analyzed data from 12 clinical centers treating adults in five countries: Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Gambia, and Mali. Patients 16 years of age or over were included in the study and the following was documented: sex, date of birth and date of initiation of HAART. RESULTS: We included 14,496 adult patients having started HAART, among these 55 % had started HAART between 2005-2006. The proportion of HIV-infected women increased from 46 % in 1996-2000 to 63 % in 2005-2006. The median age at HAART initiation remained constant: 35 years for women and 40 years for men. The proportion of patients having started HAART with a CD4 count<200 cells/microl was 54 % in 1996-2000, and 64 % in 2005-2006. The most frequently prescribed HAART was: AZT/3TC (or d4T/DDI)/IDV (27 %) in 1996-2000; d4T (or AZT)/3TC/EFV (49 %) in 2003-2004, and d4T/3TC/NVP (49 %) in 2005-2006. CONCLUSION: The first line HAART regimen recommended by WHO was initiated in 83 % of cases in 2005-2006. New approaches to an earlier initiation of ART should be explored to reduce mortality in HIV-infected patients on HAART.

Tobacco use and its determinants in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in West African countries.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking is common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients from industrialised countries. In West Africa, few data concerning tobacco consumption exist. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the International Epidemiological Database to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) network in West Africa was conducted. Health workers administered a questionnaire assessing tobacco and cannabis consumption among patients receiving antiretroviral treatment. Regular smokers were defined as current smokers who smoked >1 cigarette per day for >or=1 year. RESULTS: Overall, 2920 patients were enrolled in three countries. The prevalence of ever smokers and regular smokers were respectively 46.2% (95%CI 42.8-49.5) and 15.6% (95%CI 13.2-18.0) in men and 3.7% (95%CI 2.9-4.5) and 0.6% (95%CI 0.3-0.9) in women. Regular smoking was associated with being from Côte d'Ivoire or Mali compared to Benin (OR 4.6, 95%CI 2.9-7.3 and 7.7, 95%CI 4.4-13.6), severely impaired immunological status at highly active antiretroviral treatment initiation (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1-2.2) and history of tuberculosis (TB; OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1-3.0). CONCLUSION: There are marked differences in smoking prevalence among these West African countries. This survey approach also provides proof of the association between cigarette smoking and TB in HIV-infected patients, a major public health issue in this part of the world.

[Contraceptive use and incidence of pregnancy among women after HIV testing in Abidjan, Ivory Coast]. / Pratiques contraceptives et incidence des grossesses chez des femmes après un dépistage VIH à Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Within the framework of programs for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, women who discover their HIV-infection during their pregnancy receive perinatal interventions in order to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the child. They also receive family planning counselling and free contraceptives in order to avoid a new pregnancy. In this study, we compared contraceptive use and pregnancy incidence between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women who were offered HIV counselling and testing during a program of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. METHODS: In the Ditrame Plus program in Abidjan, 546 HIV-positive and 393 HIV-negative women were HIV-tested prenatally and followed up 2 years after delivery. At each post-partum visit, proportions of contraceptive use were noted, by method. The pregnancy incidence was calculated as the number of pregnancies for 100 women-years at risk. Factors related to the arrival of a new pregnancy were analyzed by Cox model. RESULTS: Between 6 and 24 months post-partum, proportions of women using modern contraception varied from 52 to 65% among HIV-positive women, and from 65 to 75% among HIV-negative women. Pregnancy incidence for 100 women-years at risk was 5.70 (95%CI: 4.17-7.23) and 4.37 (95%CI : 2.83-5.91) (p=0.237) and unwanted pregnancy incidence was 1.07 (95%CI: 0.41-1.73) and 2.39 (95%CI: 1.25-3.53) (p=0.023), respectively among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. The end of post-partum abstinence, the death of the index child and the end of breastfeeding were positively linked to the arrival of a new pregnancy in the post-partum period. CONCLUSION: Among these women prenatally HIV-tested, family planning counselling and regular follow-up was accompanied by a high rate of contraceptive use after delivery, and consecutively to a low pregnancy incidence irrespective of serostatus. In particular, HIV-positive women had fewer unwanted pregnancies than HIV-negative women. Integration of adequate family planning services in the post-partum follow-up in prevention programs plays an important role in reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission, by reducing pregnancies among HIV-positive women.

Implementing family-focused HIV care and treatment: the first 2 years' experience of the mother-to-child transmission-plus program in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a family-focused approach to HIV care and treatment and report on the first 2 years experience of implementing the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)-plus program in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. PROGRAM: The MTCT-plus initiative aims to enroll HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women in comprehensive HIV care and treatment for themselves and their families. MAIN OUTCOMES: Between August 2003 and August 2005, 605 HIV-infected pregnant or postpartum women and 582 HIV-exposed infants enrolled. Of their 568 male partners reported alive, 52% were aware of their wife's HIV status and 30% were tested for HIV; 53% of these tested partners were found to be HIV-infected and 78% enrolled into the program. Overall only 10% of the women enrolled together with their infected partner. On the other hand, the program involved half of the seronegative men who came for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the care of their families. Of 1624 children <15 years reported alive by their mothers (excluding the last newborn infants of the most recent pregnancy systematically screened for HIV), only 10.8% were brought in for HIV testing, of whom 12.3% were found to be HIV-infected. LESSONS LEARNED AND CHALLENGES: The family-focused model of HIV care pays attention to the needs of families and household members. The program was successful in enrolling HIV women, their partners and infants in continuous follow-up. However engaging partners and family members of newly enrolled women into care involves numerous challenges such as disclosure of HIV status by women to their partners and family members. Further efforts are required to understand barriers for families accessing HIV services as strategies to improve partner involvement and provide access to care for other children in the households are needed in this West African urban setting.

Population pharmacokinetics of tenofovir in HIV-1-infected pregnant women and their neonates (ANRS 12109).

Thirty-eight human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infected pregnant women were administered tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg)-emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) tablets: two at labor initiation and one daily for 7 days postpartum. Maternal, umbilical, and neonatal plasma tenofovir concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed using a population approach. Data were described using a two-compartment model for the mother, an effect compartment linked to maternal circulation for cord, and a neonatal compartment disconnected after delivery. Absorption was greater for women delivering by caesarian section than for those delivering vaginally. The maternal 600 mg TDF administration before delivery produces the same concentrations as 300 mg administration in other adults. If the time elapsed between maternal administration and delivery is >or=12 h, two tablets of TDF-FTC should be readministered. Tenofovir showed good placental transfer (60%). Administering 13 mg/kg of TDF as soon as possible after birth should produce neonatal concentrations comparable with those observed in adults.

Sexual prevention of HIV within the couple after prenatal HIV-testing in West Africa.

The resumption of sexual activity after delivery is a key moment in the management of the risk of sexual HIV transmission within the couple for women who have been prenatally tested for HIV. In this study, we have investigated consistent condom use during the resumption of sexual activity and its evolution over time among women tested for HIV infection during pregnancy. We tested for HIV during pregnancy 546 HIV-infected and 393 HIV-negative women within the Ditrame Plus ANRS project in Abidjan; these women were followed-up for two years after delivery. Most HIV-negative women (96.7%) disclosed their HIV-test result to their partners, whereas only 45.6% of HIV-infected women did so (p<0.001). Partners of HIV-infected women were more likely to be tested for HIV before resuming sexual activity than partners of HIV-negative women (11.7% vs. 7.4%, p=0.054). Less than one third of both HIV-infected and HIV-negative women reported having systematically used condoms during the resumption of sexual activity. The proportions of HIV-infected and HIV-negative women having consistently used condoms were respectively 26.2% and 19.8% (p=0.193) at 3 months post-partum, 12.1% and 15.9% (p=0.139) at 12 months post-partum, and 8.4% and 10.6% (p=0.302) at 18 months post-partum. In our study, although women had been prenatally tested for HIV and properly counselled on the sexual risk of HIV transmission, male partners were not tested for HIV before the resumption of sexual activity after delivery, very few couples were using condoms systematically and condom use was decreasing over time.

The adherence to antiretroviral treatment evaluated from a hospital pharmacy: importance of the protease inhibitors pharmacological class.

The goal of this study was to develop an evaluation method of antiretroviral treatment adherence from a hospital pharmacy and to identify one or more factors that influenced this adherence, such as patient or treatment characteristics. The HIV patients included in this study were based, for the major part, in Saint-André hospital and collected their medication from this hospital pharmacy. They were all delivered a renewable prescription that should have comprised two successive delivery stamps. A total of 186 patients was included. For the adherence analysis, the delay between two successive deliveries was measured. We have specified three different categories of patients: adherent, non-adherent and intermediate, according to a definition of adherence accepted by many authors. We have demonstrated that the only antiretroviral therapeutic class associated with poor adherence was the protease inhibitors, in particular nelfinavir, which requires food to be taken at the time of administration. This can pose difficulties for those patients who lunch at their workplace and consequently affect adherence. This study allowed us to demonstrate that a less subjective adherence evaluation can be easily carried out from a hospital pharmacy.