Direct observation therapy-highly active antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting: the use of community treatment support can be effective

Int J STD AIDS. 2007 Nov;18(11):760-3. doi: 10.1258/095646207782212252.

Abstract

This study examines the use of various direct observation therapy-HAART treatment support modalities in Jos, Nigeria. A 12-month observational study enrolling 175 antiretroviral naïve patients into four arms of direct observation therapy-HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy); daily observed therapy (DOT), twice weekly observed therapy (TWOT), weekly observed therapy (WOT) and self-administered therapy (SAT), examined community treatment support using family and community members. Treatment outcomes were much better in the treatment-supported groups compared with the control self-therapy group. CD4 cell increases were 218/microL (DOT), 267/microL (TWOT), 205/microL (WOT) versus 224/microL (SAT), whereas plasma HIV-1 RNA reached undetectable levels (<400 copies/mL) in 91%, 88%, 84% versus 79% of patients in the DOT, TWOT, WOT versus SAT groups, respectively, at 48 weeks. We, therefore, strongly support the use of treatment support in our settings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Directly Observed Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Patient Compliance*
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • RNA, Viral