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Faculty Advisor

Douglas Bruce

Abstract

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important in HIV management. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors for non-adherence to ART in HIV-positive young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Data pertaining to possible risk factors for non-adherence was collected from ATN086-106, a study protocol within the Adolescent Trials Network of HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN). Variables that were significantly associated with non-adherence to ART in bivariate analyses were entered into multivariate logistic regression models to identify correlates of non-adherence to ART. The results indicate that YMSM who used marijuana and methamphetamine and missed medical appointments were less likely to adhere to ART. These findings suggest that healthcare professionals should pay close attention to YMSM who are on ART and have a history of marijuana and/or methamphetamine use. Additionally, medical professionals should keep track of those who miss 2 or more appointments within a year. Further research should examine why certain drug use and missed appointments are correlated to poor adherence.

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