Background:
The CDC-funded, Directly-Administered Antiretroviral Treatment (DAART) Project evaluates HIV-positive individuals’ interventions for improving adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART). HAART has greatly contributed to an improved disease course for a large proportion of HIV-infected persons in the U.S. However, the necessarily complex drug regimens provide challenges for optimal adherence for many individuals. Improved models of adherence support are needed to ensure that persons benefit maximally from HAART.
Objectives:
The major objective of this project will be to determine if the three models of adherence support affect the virologic, immunologic and clinical outcomes of HIV disease and the development of drug resistance. In addition, the cost and feasibility of each adherence support model will be measured, as will the cost of the provision of HIV care to the patients.
Study Design:
The four-year project evaluates the efficacy and feasibility of three adherence support models for HAART: 1) the Standard Care model that includes individual counseling by the primary provider and pharmacist; 2) an Intensive Adherence Support program, in which HIV-infected participants have at least weekly contact with a trained adherence Case Manager, either individually or in a group setting; and 3) the directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAART) model, in which one of two daily HAART doses is personally dispensed and a per-dose medication record is maintained.
Contact Persons:
Amy Wohl, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Wendy Garland, M.P.H, Project Coordinator
Rosa Valencia, B.S., Research Assistant
