Determinant factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected patients in Addis Ababa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the determinant factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used and data were collected by interviewing 290 study participants from two health facilities using structured questionnaire. The research finding revealed 80.0% of the study participants had optimal combined adherence to dose, schedule and dietary instructions in the past three days. And, the non adherence rate was 20.0%. In multivariate analysis only WHO clinical stage, change of ARV medication, knowledge about HIV disease and ART, and use of reminders were found to be independently associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The most common reasons for missing HIV medications in the past one month were forgetfulness (35.1%), being busy with other things (17.5%), and running out of pills (10.5%). Adherence improving interventions should be emphasized to address multi-faceted problems. This study recommends setting of convenient appointment schedule, disclosure of one's HIV status, maintaining confidentiality of patient-related information, enhancing patient-provider relationship, use of reminders including SMS text messages, and engagement of PLHIV in adherence improving interventions through peer support, and providing regular health education to the PLHIV to improve adherence of patients to ART