ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADULT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS: THE CASE OF YERGALEM HEALTH CENTER, SOUTHERN, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the magnitude of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and associated factors among PLWH attending ART clinic at Yergalem Health center in Yergalem town, southern Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative facility based cross-sectional study design was used and data were collected by interviewing 80 study participants using structured questionnaire ,5 FGDs and in-depth interview with two health care workers conducted. The research finding revealed 89% of the study participants had optimal adherence in the past Seven days. And, the non adherence rate was 11%. Disclosure (p=0.000), reminder use (p=0.000) and patients satisfaction from the improvement they get from treatment (p=0.01) were found to be associated with ART adherence positively. results of the qualitative study revealed that disclosure of HIV status, social support, use of reminders, life-long projects, counseling and education, and improved health on ART facilitated medication adherence and retention in HIV care. While economic constraints, with fear of stigma and discrimination, religious healing (Prayer), poor healthcare services were perceived as barrier for good adherence. Adherence improving interventions should be emphasized to address multi-faceted problems. To improve the level of adherence Health care workers; case managers/adherence supporters should promote disclosure of their HIV status to their families, relatives or friend. Intervention to promote adherence should focus on area of promoting use of different memory aids like watches, mobiles. Quality of care in terms of service quality, medication and laboratory supply availability need to be improved.