Tablets are more acceptable and give fewer problems than syrups among young HIV-infected children in resource limited settings in the ARROW trial.

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2010
Country:
Uganda
Document Type:
Research Paper
Theme:
Health
Authors:
Cook, A., Gibb, D.M., Spyer, M., Nahirya-Ntege, P., Kekitiinwa, A., Bwakura-Dangarembizi, M.F., Kasirye, P., Bakeera-Kitaka, S., Mudzingwa, S., Nathoo, K., Byaruhanga, J., Keishanyu, R., Nabulime, G., Nankya, F., Tezikyabbiri, J., ARROW trial team

Abstract

Of 406 HIV-infected Ugandan and Zimbabwean children aged 3 months to 17 years administered antiretroviral drugs in syrup form when enrolled in the ARROW trial during 2007-2008, 236 were switched to tablets between May 2008 and December 2009, at a median age of 2.9 years. Questionnaires were administered to the children's carers at the time of substitution and again 8 weeks later; 186 pairs of questionniares were analysed. It was found that 77% of carers reported problems using syrups; 53% anticipated difficulties using tablets, but only 27% reported such difficulties after 8 weeks, by which time most children (56%) and almost all carers (93%) preferred tablets.

Citation

Presentation from 4th National Paediatric HIV/AIDS conference, Kampala, Uganda, 28-30 September 2010.

Tablets are more acceptable and give fewer problems than syrups among young HIV-infected children in resource limited settings in the ARROW trial.

Published 1 January 2010
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