Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the attitude towards antiretroviral treatment
after six months of therapy and the extent to which patients had participated in the
decision to start with treatment.
As part of a Dutch study into decision-making regarding interventions in HIV
infection in the general practice. 37 HIV-infected patients (81% homosexual, 89% living
in Amsterdam) who started therapy in the period between 1995 and 1997 completed a
questionnaire after on average six months of therapy.
At start of therapy the mean CD4+ cell count was 203 x 106/1; 14% of the patients
was asymptomatic, 54% symptomatic and 32% already had AIDS. In 35% of the cases
the decision to start had been made predominantly by the patient and in 41% by patient
and doctor together. Thirty-six patients (97%) were still on treatment when completing
the questionnaire. Of the 25 (69%) who were receiving so called 'triple therapy', 96%
felt positive about their treatment.
In conclusion: the vast majority of patients were positive about their treatment after
six months of antiretroviral therapy, which in most cases consisted of triple therapy. It is
likely that active patient participation in treatment decisions, advanced disease stage,
results of treatment and the factor time each contributed to their positive attitude
after six months of therapy and the extent to which patients had participated in the
decision to start with treatment.
As part of a Dutch study into decision-making regarding interventions in HIV
infection in the general practice. 37 HIV-infected patients (81% homosexual, 89% living
in Amsterdam) who started therapy in the period between 1995 and 1997 completed a
questionnaire after on average six months of therapy.
At start of therapy the mean CD4+ cell count was 203 x 106/1; 14% of the patients
was asymptomatic, 54% symptomatic and 32% already had AIDS. In 35% of the cases
the decision to start had been made predominantly by the patient and in 41% by patient
and doctor together. Thirty-six patients (97%) were still on treatment when completing
the questionnaire. Of the 25 (69%) who were receiving so called 'triple therapy', 96%
felt positive about their treatment.
In conclusion: the vast majority of patients were positive about their treatment after
six months of antiretroviral therapy, which in most cases consisted of triple therapy. It is
likely that active patient participation in treatment decisions, advanced disease stage,
results of treatment and the factor time each contributed to their positive attitude
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 204 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Sexually Transmitted Infections |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
