Adherence among Rural HIV-Infected Patients in the Deep South: A Comparison between Single-Tablet and Multi-Tablet Once-Daily Regimens

Background:Once-daily (QD), combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) can impact the willingness and ability of patients to take medications as directed. The impact of antiretroviral (ARV) drug adherence influenced by single-tablet (STR) versus multi-tablet regimens (MTR) among patients enrolled in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in a rural environment has not yet been assessed.Material and Methods:A retrospective chart review evaluated adherence and outcomes in adult HIV-infected patients enrolled in the ADAP at 2 ambulatory clinics in the Southeast, taking either a QD STR (efavirenz [EFV]/emtricitabine/tenofovir [TDF]) or a QD protease inhibitor (PI)-based, MTR (atazanavir [ATV], ritonavir [RTV], and emtricitabine/TDF) by evaluating pharmacy refill records, patient self-reported adherence, and virologic response.Results:A total of 389 patient records were analyzed (STR, n = 165 versus MTR, n = 224). There were more males, a higher percentage of treatment-naive patients, and more patients with a b...