PhD defence Z. (Zamrotul) Izzah

Multiple approaches to monitor and support adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main treatment for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). ART requires taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs every day as prescribed for effective virus suppression and immune recovery. Therefore, adherence to ART is crucial for achieving optimal HIV treatment outcomes.

The thesis of Izzah Zamrotul provides insights into the application of various methods, including detecting and measuring the presence of the drug in hair and saliva, electronic monitoring with a novel smart blister package, prescription refill review, pill counting, and self-reporting, to monitor ART adherence in different populations and clinical settings. Also, Zamrotul describes patient, medication, and disease-related factors affecting ART adherence and HIV treatment outcomes as well as strategies to promote adherence with the use of a technology-driven device and a practical adherence toolkit.

Promotores prof. dr. D.J. (Daan) Touw, prof. dr. B. Suprapti
Co-supervisor P.H.C. (Christoffer) Åberg, PhD