Protease inhibitor use among a community sample of people with HIV disease.

OBJECTIVES: Protease inhibitors have become integral to HIV disease management. This paper examines sociodemographic factors affecting patient use and perceived knowledge of protease inhibitors, and the relationship between protease inhibitor use and perceived health.

METHODS: 1034 people with HIV disease from a large AIDS services organization completed a mailed self-administered survey that assessed sociodemographics, protease inhibitor use and perceived knowledge, and perceived change in health status over the previous year. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factors independently associated with protease inhibitor use and perceived knowledge, and perceived overall health status.

RESULTS: Two thirds (66%) of correspondents included in the sample were currently taking protease inhibitors and 52% reported being very knowledgeable about these medications. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, those who were currently not taking protease inhibitors were more likely to be African American, non-English speaking, earning <$9600 U.S. annually, or uninsured. Among protease inhibitor users, those who reported less knowledge about the drugs were more likely to be nonwhite, earning <$9600 U.S. annually, and not college educated. Protease inhibitor use was independently associated with perceived improved overall health and having been college educated.

CONCLUSIONS: Further efforts should be directed toward increasing use and knowledge of protease inhibitors among disadvantaged populations.