Number of daily pills, dosing schedule, self-reported adherence and health status in 2010: a large cross-sectional study of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess whether pill burden is associated with self-reported adherence to current combination antiretroviral regimens and health status in a large sample of unselected and chronically treated HIV-infected patients.

Methods: An adherence and health status questionnaire was offered to all patients collecting their drugs between March and May 2010 at our clinic; both parameters were primarily evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Linear correlations were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient.