The aim of this study was to know the constraining and facilitating aspects of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among people with HIV/AIDS. This was a qualitative study, carried out with 26 individuals receiving HAART and assisted by a referral service in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis of the interviews regarding the constraints found by users, resulted in categories relating to Day-by-day life, HIV representations, and the complexity of the treatment. As for the facilitating aspects, the categories found were absence of side effects, remembering the symptoms of the disease, improved survival, and influences from the social networks. Results have shown the importance of an effective follow-up so that health care professionals can build strategies to improve adherence to HAART together with the individuals.
HIV; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; medication adherence; highly active antiretroviral therapy