Adherence to Treatment and Retention to Care of Adult Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy came as a relief to people living with HIV and AIDS as it improved their quality of life and chances of survival, and delayed the progression to AIDS. Maintaining high adherence levels to antiretroviral therapy remains a challenge for many, yet strict adherence and retention to care are critical for the successful suppression of the human immunodeficiency virus. The objective of the study was to determine factors that influence adherence and retention to care for adult patients who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy. A qualitative research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select 23 participants who met the specified criteria. Data were collected by means of in-depth individual unstructured interviews. A thematic analysis revealed six themes, namely staff-patient relationships, adherence support networks, patients’ knowledge of antiretroviral therapy, motivation to live, counselling, and factors related to medication. The study concluded that adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention to care were facilitated by good interpersonal relationships between hospital staff and patients and efficient service delivery at the institutions.

Understanding adherence in virally suppressed and unsuppressed human immunodeficiency virus-positive urban patients on second-line antiretroviral treatment

“…This finding is in line with other studies that have reported having a handbag to have pills all the time as the preferred ART storage by patients. 40 , 41 , 42 …”

“…This finding is in line with other studies that have reported having a handbag to have pills all the time as the preferred ART storage by patients. 40,41,42 Side effects are an important predictor of poor adherence, and cumulative toxicity associated with ART, especially in second-line regimens. 43,44,45 We found that participants with VLF were more likely to have treatment-related side effects.…”