Longitudinal Study of HAART, Social Networks, & Adherence

Primary Outcome Measures:

• Self-report - 7 & 30 day recall [ Time Frame: at 6 months and 12 months ]
  

Secondary Outcome Measures:

• Change in CD4 count [ Time Frame: from baseline to 6 months and 12 months ]
  

To test this hypothesis, we intend to randomize 350 ARV naïve patients starting HAART to either receive mDOT for the initial 6 weeks of treatment or standard adherence support. Both intervention and control groups will receive standard HIV care that includes HAART medications free of charge, clinical and laboratory follow-up, psychosocial adherence support by a trained social worker, and referral to community-based peer support groups. Patients in the intervention group will in addition to stand care, receive their morning weekday dose of a twice-daily HAART regimen under DOT in clinic for 6 weeks. Nighttime and weekend doses are self-administered. A group of HIV-positive DOT activists, who are trained and paid lay-clinic personnel, will be primarily responsible for the direct observation of treatment in the mDOT group. In addition to observing treatment, DOT activists will provide counseling, education, and emotional support to patients, and will also locate patients not presenting for DOT on the same day. Although the HIV activists may also provide psychosocial and adherence support to specific patients in the control group, this support will only be a daily and formalized part of care in the group randomized to mDOT.