What is a typical reason for poor adherence to HIV treatment?

Pill fatigue is a common issue that arises when individuals find the regimen of taking multiple pills on a consistent schedule overwhelming or monotonous. This phenomenon can lead to a decrease in motivation to adhere to treatment protocols, as the daily routine may become burdensome. People living with HIV often need to take antiretroviral therapy (ART) on a strict schedule, and the psychological exhaustion associated with this routine can cause some patients to skip doses or abandon treatment altogether. The persistence of this fatigue can undermine the effectiveness of the medications, making adherence more challenging.

While high cost, fear of stigma, and lack of medical guidance are significant barriers to treatment adherence, pill fatigue specifically highlights the psychological aspect of managing a chronic condition over the long term. Each of these factors can discourage adherence, but pill fatigue directly addresses the weariness that can develop from the ongoing requirement to maintain a strict medication regimen.