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Background & objectives:The introduction of ART therapy has been able to improve the survival of HIV infected individuals but non-adherence to ART is a major cause of HIV drug resistance. Globally around 33% to 38% of HIV infected adults do not adhere to treatment. However, there is a dearth of research in India in understanding the reasons for non adherence to ART regimen. The present study was conducted at the ART centre of tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, with the objectives to study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of the patients, to estimate the prevalence of non adherence and to assess the causes of non adherence to ART regimen among the study population. Methods: The study was both retrospective & prospective, observational with cross-sectional design. 400 Patient Treatment cards were reviewed to collect data on socioclinical profile and nonadherence. In the next phase the nonadherent persons were interviewed to find out the cause of nonadherence. Result: 26.5% of the study population were not adherent to ART therapy. Constraints such as forgetfulness to take the medications, economic reason, hopelessness about cure(11.32%) etc undermine their intentions to adhere to ART regimen. Conclusion: Efforts are required at the management as well as implementation level for constant regular follow-up & motivation of all patients under ART with counseling.

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