SUPA: Supporting Uptake and adherence to antiretrovirals

Project Summary

The SUPA trial aims to evaluate a treatment support programme aiming to promote uptake and adherence to ART. The objectives of this study are to: 

1. Assess the success of an intervention to promote optimal adherence in patients for whom starting ART is recommended 
2. Assess how patients’ beliefs about ART change over time and how this may predict adherence and engagement in care 
3. Assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of providing the intervention in the short- and long-term antiretroviral therapy 

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the likelihood of illness and lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others. However, the benefits of these treatments are dependent on timely uptake (starting treatment when it is recommended) and adherence (taking doses as prescribed), which are both suboptimal.

This study has been designed to assess whether a treatment support programme providing treatment initiation and subsequent support is successful in promoting timely uptake and adherence to ART, in comparison with regular care.