Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Pediatric HIV Treatment
Summary
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children is pivotal for achieving sustained viral suppression, preventing the emergence of drug resistance and ensuring long-term health. Paediatric adherence is influenced by a constellation of factors including formulation characteristics, caregiver support, child development and sociocultural context. Young patients often face challenges related to palatability, pill burden and dosing frequency, while adolescents may struggle with stigma and autonomy in self-management. Caregiver knowledge, disclosure of the child’s HIV status and stable routines are recurrent determinants of successful adherence. Accurate measurement remains a challenge: caregiver reports, pill counts, plasma concentrations and electronic monitoring each have strengths and biases. Globally, interventions that combine simplified regimens, palatable paediatric formulations, peer support and digital reminders have shown promise. In low-resource settings, integrating adherence counselling into community-based models and reinforcing the caregiver–clinician partnership have improved outcomes. A holistic approach that addresses pharmacological, behavioural and structural barriers is essential to optimise ART delivery and maximise the health prospects of all children living with HIV.
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Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Pediatric HIV Treatment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in adherence to antiretroviral therapy in pediatric hiv treatment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Adherence: The extent to which a patient’s drug-taking behaviour corresponds with prescribed recommendations.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A combination of medicines used to suppress HIV replication and bolster immune function.
Viral Load: The quantity of HIV RNA in the bloodstream, used to monitor treatment efficacy.
Drug Resistance: The capacity of HIV to mutate and replicate despite the presence of antiretroviral agents.
Palatability: The sensory acceptability of a medicinal formulation, particularly its taste and texture.
Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS): An electronic device that records the timing of container openings to estimate adherence behaviour.
References
- The Phenomenon of Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in the Context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment: Dynamic and Ever Evolving Subject Matter. Biomedicines (2024).
- Adherence to antiretroviral treatment among children and adolescents in Tanzania: Comparison between pill count and viral load outcomes in a rural context of Mwanza region. PLOS ONE (2019).
- The Need for Pediatric Formulations to Treat Children with HIV. AIDS Research and Treatment (2016).
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