The role of medical and social history in addressing relative contraindications to antiretroviral medications

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a major public health problem especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many resource poor prefer a “public health approach” focusing on one standardized first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen that may not fit all patients. Adherence to the ARVs is key to ensuring success in ART and preventing emergence of drug resistant HIV strains.2 While use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) presents many challenges to clinicians and patients alike, the role of medical and social history in addressing potential contraindications to ARVs has not been fully examined.