Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Level and Associated Factors Among HIV/AIDS Patients in Jimma Zone Government Health Facilities, ART Clinics, South-west Ethiopia

Abstract

Optimal and strict adherence to Antiretroviral Viral Therapy a need for over the long period to achieve the goals of ART and obtain maximum benefits of ART. However, PLWHA find it very difficult to take ARVs drug as precisely as they should for a number of reasons. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the level of antiretroviral therapy adherence and identifying possible associated factors for ART adherence behavior in Jimma zone government ART facilities. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in the ART clinics of Jimma zone governmental health facilities in which ARV treatment supplied from November 25/2015 – February 30/2016 for a period of 4 months. 352 adult PLWHA (190 female and 162 male) ranged in age from 15-62 years (Mean=37.1, SD= 8.95), with 100% response rate, were our study participants. Binary logistic regression was used to perform bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine the association between study variables and ART adherence status. 259(73.6%) participants were adherent (>=95%) and 93(26.4%) were non-adherent (<95%) to the prescribed dose of ARV drugs over the past seven days prior to the interview. The main reasons for skipping the prescribed ARV drugs were, busyness (78.5%), having too many pills (71%), felt depressed (68.8%), taking the drugs reminded HIV infected (66.7%), did not want other see (62.4%), and felt asleep(60.2%). The last stepwise regression analysis revealed that, educational status, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, use of additional drugs and access to reliable pharmacy were significantly associated with ART adherence status. So, efforts to maximize ART adherence should focus on addressing these associated significant factors.

<p>Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence and Determinant Factors Among Adult People Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Eastern Tigray General Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia, 2019</p>

“…In this study, the magnitude of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was reported to be 74.63% (95% CI: 71.277.3%). This is in line with studies done in Western Ethiopia, 7 Southwest Ethiopia, 6,9 Southern Ethiopia, 10 Northeastern Ethiopia, 11 Western Africa, 12 and Sub-Saharan Africa, 13 which reported 73.1%, 75.7%, 73.6%, 77.1%, 71.8%, 73%, and 72.9% respectively.…”

Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia

“…This might be because easy accessibility of services including medication will improve utilization. 19 People with easy access to HAART and other important medications may adhere to prescribed medication compared with those who lack access. Substance users were also shown to be more likely to have poor adherence in this study.…”

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20] Previous studies also showed that proximity to the healthcare facility, the availability of HAART drugs, and the patients' satisfaction with health service delivery were found to be significantly associated with HAART adherence. 19,[21][22][23] Despite the above reports, limited studies were conducted after the initiation of the "test and treat" strategy in August 2016 24 and the first-line HAART regimen change in the study area. Therefore, this study assessed the level of adherence to HAART among people living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia.…”

“Some believe those who say they can cure it” perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy for children living with HIV/AIDS: Qualitative exploration of caregivers experiences in tamale metropolis

“…Evidence suggests optimal and strict adherence of 95% and above is required over the long term to ensure the full benefits of the treatment [ 12 ]. Large-scale surveys have buttress reports that show high levels of positive outcomes of ARVs adherence should range between 80%-95% depending on the varying levels of ARV potency [ 13 ].…”

“…Adherence to ART among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is multifaceted and requires; a proper understanding of ART and HIV, conscious efforts to comply with adherence counselling, education, changing lifestyle, proper nutrition, presence of psychosocial support, active supportive care and availability of a considerate home caregiver [ 12 ]. Implying an interrelated coordinated effort involving PLWHA, their home caregivers and formal health caregivers is considered crucial [ 17 ].…”