A qualitative analysis of factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among persons living with HIV in Ghana

Abstract

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important factor in HIV prevention and treatment efforts. We explored the individual and environmental factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among PLWH in Ghana. This study used 20 semi‐structured in‐depth interviews and three focus group discussions (FGD) involving 29 PLWH attending one of three antiretroviral clinics. Thematic analysis covered experiences of PLWH clinic visits, knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy related to ART adherence, psychological wellbeing and stigma. The findings suggest that both individual and environmental factors including treatment outcome, coping skills, disclosure, self‐regulation, healthcare‐provider interaction, family and partner support, organization of ART clinics, stigma, and transportation cost influenced treatment adherence. Interventions that empower PLWH and reduce HIV‐related stigma in the community will most likely support antiretroviral adherence. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial factors affecting antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV infected young adults in Eastern Uganda

“…The findings of our study were in agreement with a study findings [31,32] which cited poor ART adherence was related beliefs in faith healing, alternative traditional medication, and perceptions that HIV was caused by witchcraft . However, this was contrary to the findings in Ghana, where religious beliefs empowered the clients to ignore stigma, become resilient and motivated to take their medications because of their beliefs that God approved the use of ART thus promoting good adherence [33].…”

Exploring the barriers to the antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV in Bangladesh: A qualitative approach

“…There was significant evidence that the discriminatory act eventually led to fear of disclosure due to harassment and rejection [36][37][38][39][40][41][42]; we also observed the same among our study respondents, which seriously affected their treatment adherence. Similar to other study findings [32,43,44], our study respondents showed their concerns about the new PLHIV, as they may be afraid of visiting ART centre to avoid social discrimination related to social isolation and harassment.…”

A qualitative analysis of factors influencing the implementation of antiretroviral treatment adherence policy in Ghana: stakeholders perspective

“…The interview protocol was based on concepts derived from the empirical literature and theories on factors influencing the implementation of HIV treatment policies [ 27 , 41 , 42 ]. Interviewees were interviewed about their knowledge and beliefs about HIV, treatment policies and guidelines, attitude towards policy, adherence to policy, sources of policy, decision making structure and protection of PLWH rights (Additional file 1 ).…”

“…Undoubtedly, the behavior of the PLWH mediates the successful implementation of the HIV treatment policy towards adherence and viral suppression. For instance, stakeholders may not achieve HIV treatment policy outcomes of 90% treatment adherence and viral suppression due to a patient’s decision to discontinue their medication [ 27 , 28 ]. Stakeholders are also influenced by the negative or positive norms of their colleagues in the implementation of HIV treatment policies.…”