OBJECTIVE: To analyze the difficulties related to treatment adherence by patients living with HIV/AIDS in highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Qualitative research based on 34 interviews with patients under treatment in several outpatient services in the state of São Paulo, in 1998-1999. The group was comprised of people from different socioeconomic levels, gender, length of treatment and varied adherence levels, according to healthcare staff perception. The interviews focused on the patient's narrative about his/her disease. The content analysis classified the difficulties as follows: related to social factors and life styles, including the stigma; related to beliefs about the use of medication; and directly related to the use of medication. RESULTS: All the interviewees reported having difficulties concerning the stigma of living with HIV/AIDS. The difficulties related to the use of medication were the most important among patients with the best adherence level. Patients with average adherence level presented all three types of difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Social and cultural factors are more difficult to be overcome in order to achieve treatment adherence than those related to taking medication, thus making the role played by the health sector important, supported by clear public social policies. These dimensions must be faced not only in the health sector, but also on social and political levels.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Qualitative research; Brazil
