Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence And Its Correlates Among People Living With Hivaids On Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy In Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Background: The introduction of HAART has transformed HIV infection into a chronicrnmanageable disease. The key to this success is the ability and willingness of HIV-positivernindividuals to adhere to HAART regimens. But at present little is known about the patient’srnexperience and adherence when taking such complex regimens.rnObjective: To assess the degree of adherence with antiretroviral therapy, identify which factorsrninfluence it, and describe the everyday experience of PLWHA on ARV therapy.rnDesign and setting: We used a combination of methodologies, including questionnaires,rninterviews and medical record review with patients in selected hospitals.rnPatients and methods: For in-depth interviews, we purposively sampled 10 PLWHA. Afterrnscreening for HIV- dementia each participated in an audio taped interview with the investigator.rnIn the cross - sectional survey, consecutive HIV-infected patients at three ART centers in AddisrnAbaba were invited. Data on drug adherence were collected using patient self-report andrndepression was measured using Beck’s depression inventory (BDI). Clinical data were recordedrnby asking the patient and reviewing their chart. Knowledge about ART was assessed by questionsrnpresented in “Yes” or “No” format.rnResults: A total of 431 HIV infected patients responded to the survey questionnaire. 81.2% ofrnpatients were adherent by self report in the week before the assessment.rnThe major reasons reported for non-adherence were, being too busy with other things or simplyrnforgot (33.9%) and being away from home (27.5%). Correlates of adherence in the multivariaternanalysis controlling for sociodemographic differences were: having regular follow-up, not beingrndepressed, having no side effects, fitting a regimen to the daily routine, being satisfied with thernrelationship with health care providers, and the perception that doctors were capable and hadrnaccess to assistance and reliable pharmacy.rnConclusions: The self-reported adherence rate in our study was higher than that seen inrndeveloped countries. Programs and clinical efforts to improve medication taking in the studyrnsetups should strive to: provide regular follow up for patients, manage depression with arnmultidisciplinary approach, increase patients’ awareness of the side effects of ARVs and possiblernremedies, integrate medications better into patients’ daily routines, improve patients' confidence,rntrust and satisfaction with their caregivers, eliminate problems of access, and alleviate the impactrnof cost

Get Full Work

Report copyright infringement or plagiarism