Antiretroviral treatment: adherence and the influence of depression in users with HIV/Aids treated in primary care

ABSTRACT Adherence to treatment is one of the major challenges to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment, being depression a factor that impacts on it. The research aimed to identify if depression interferes with adhesion. A multi-approach method for adherence, open interview and Beck Depression Inventory were used for depression screening. The relationship between depression and nonadherence was not found, although the prevalence of depression reached 22.24%. Some patients assume fear of stigma and difficulty in following antiretroviral treatment due to the drug adverse effects. Also a social protection network was perceived as crucial as was the necessity to build a care network.