Factors associated with discontinuation of HIV treatment: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment dropout rates in HIV-infected patients are high, resulting in negative treatment outcomes and subsequent spread of HIV. Objective: to conduct an integrative literature review in order to understand the factors associated with HIV treatment dropout. Methodology: A literature survey was conducted in October 2024, in renowned databases. The descriptors used were: ‘‘Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome” AND ‘’Patients who drop out of treatment” AND ‘’Patient acceptance of health care” AND ‘’Epidemiology’’ and, in English, ‘’Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” AND ‘’Patients who drop out of treatment’’ AND ‘’Patient acceptance of health care’’ AND ‘’Epidemiology’’. Thus, 9 articles were selected, being included according to the eligibility criteria: articles in English and Portuguese, in the last five years, involving factors associated with HIV treatment abandonment. The exclusion criteria were: literature review articles or meta-analysis. Results: From the data analysis, it was possible to verify that most authors reported that there are several factors associated with ART treatment abandonment, involving sociodemographic characteristics such as being male, single, socioeconomic factors, low educational level and young age, but also events such as pregnancy, hospitalization, infection by an opportunistic disease and clinical progress can have an impact in treatment adherence. And not only that, but also side effects, clinical status, drug use, mental health problems, homelessness or unstable housing, stigmatization, among other factors. Conclusion: Failure to adhere to ART is a public health problem. It is essential to implement or improve public policies, improve communication, access and distribution of medicines, and carry out educational actions, such as lectures, to combat stigma. This work aims to serve as a basis for future research on the subject.