Examining Correlates of Pre-ART and Early ART Adherence to Identify Key Factors Influencing Adherence Readiness

Although current standard of care for HIV typically involves immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), most patients can benefit from first assessing adherence readiness and addressing any barriers to optimal adherence. A sample of 176 HIV patients planning to start ART enrolled in a controlled trial of an adherence intervention that was based on the Information Motivation and Behavioral skills (IMB) model of health behavior. We examined correlates of multiple adherence readiness measures, as well as electronically measured early ART adherence, to identify variables most important for readiness to adhere well at the start of treatment. Education level, recency of HIV diagnosis and knowledge and commitment to adherence were found to be associated with both ART readiness and early ART adherence. These findings suggest that resources to support adherence readiness should target more experienced HIV patients, and strive to bolster knowledge and attitudes that reinforce commitment to adherence.