Challenges associated with HIV treatment compliance among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Emfuleni, Gauteng

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the challenges associated with HIV treatment compliance among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with HIV aged between 18 to 24 years in Emfuleni, sub-district municipality, and to describe recommendations to overcome the challenges related to non-compliance to HIV treatment resulting from the findings. The study took a form of an exploratory-descriptive contextual qualitative method attributed to the Health Belief Model’s (HBM) theoretical underpinnings. The interview guide was developed and Individual interviews that were semi-structured with twenty participants were conducted for data collection following a thorough in-depth literature review. Data collected from the participants were analysed thematically. The findings revealed the need for improved support of AYAs living with HIV to improve treatment compliance and viral load suppression and recommendations were made to improve support and treatment compliance as well as for further research.