ABSTRACT ARCHIVE

Background: Little is known about socio-cultural factors that may influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy among the mostly Mayan Indian HIV+ infected population. We conducted a study to characterize these factors among the newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in the regional tuberculosis hospital and understand implications for adherence to antiretroviral therapy in this mostly rural region. Methods: During January 2002 to December 2003, we implemented a prospective study among 87 newly diagnosed HIV patients in Hospital Dr. ''Rodolfo Robles'', a regional hospital for tuberculosis and pulmonary problems. Consenting patients were enrolled in the study. The participants provided demographic and clinical information using a standarized clinical history questionnaire. Results: 29% of the HIV-infected patients were females and 71% males. 78% of the patients were Indigenous. 72% had co-infections with Tuberculosis. 56% of the patients reported being married or co-habitating, and 44% were single. 56% of the participants were illiterate, 33% had completed primary school and 11% had completed part of secondary school. 53% of the participants reported their religion as Evangelical, 27% Catholic and 20% had no religion. 48% were aged less than 30 years old. 49% reported their occupation as agricultural workers. 71% lived in small communities that were more than 2 hours away from the treatment center. Conclusions: Young Indigenous agricultural workers and their partners in Southwestern Guatemala are at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Low educational levels, numerous Indigenous languages, distances to treatment centers could be obstacles for adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Social and cultural factors need to be taken into account in the design of adherence programs for this marginal population