A stratified cross-sectional survey supported by qualitative approach was conducted on 422 HIVinfectedrnpersons receiving antiretroviral regimens from the Ministry of National Defense ForcernHospitals, in Addis Ababa and Debrezit.rnThe study was focused on the assessment of adherence to ARV therapy among HIV-infected personsrnfrom October 2004 to March 2005.rnThe study group consists of three categories namely Officers, private and non-commissioned officersrnand civil.rnAll 422 HIV-infected patients received ARV treatment for a mean duration of 3.7 months, wererninterviewed using pre-tested questionnaire and in depth interview to six selected cases. Adherencernwas measured using self report; participants were questioned regarding taking the total number ofrnARV pills prescribed by physician and the memory aids used to remind the prescribed regimens.rnThe finding revealed that among the respondents who already started ARV therapy 160 (39.5%) wererncivil, 158 (37.6%) were private and non-commissioned officers, 96(22.4%) were officers. The medianrnage was 35 years (interquartile range 29-40) and 284(67.3%) were males. The average adherencernrate to ARV medication was 82.8% of all prescribed doses. Keeping clinical appointment, usingrnmemory aids and educational levels were associated with increased adherence. The incidence ofrnopportunistic infections were higher in the study population before initiation of ART.rnThe most frequent opportunistic infections were oral candidasis and pulmonary tuberculosis, bothrndiseases decreased by three-fourth after the initiation of ART when comparing for the same patients.rnThe frequency of AIDS-related infections declined dramatically by 83.3% after the initiation of ARVrntreatment and AIDS-related hospitalization is reduced by 44.7%. Of the total respondents 4(0.7%) ofrnthe patients developed serious adverse drug reactions requiring a change in treatment.rnIt was concluded that most patients need aggressive modification to improve their adherence to ARVrntreatment. The findings suggest that develop patient centered education approach that ensure a goodrnunderstanding of treatment by the patient on the help of memory aids and keeping clinicalrnappointment.