Personal factors influencing patients' adherence to ART in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Authors

Negash, Tefera
Ehlers, V.J.

Issue Date

2013-11

Type

Article

Language

en

Keywords

adherence to medication, antiretrovirals, antiretroviral treatment, HIV/AIDS

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Abstract

Our study attempted to identify personal (patientrelated) factors influencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative, descriptive design was used. Structured interviews were conducted with 355 HIV-infected patients on ART. The findings revealed that stigma, discrimination, depression, and alcohol use negatively affected patients’ ART adherence levels. However, patients’ knowledge levels had no influence on their ART adherence levels, contrary to other researchers’ reports. Addressing stigma and discrimination at community levels might enhance patients’ abilities to take their medications in the presence of others. Health care professionals should be educated to diagnose and treat depression in patients during the early stages of ART administration. Patients who are nonadherent to ART should be counseled about potential alcohol abuse. Stigma-related challenges also need to be addressed.

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Citation

Negash, Tefera; Ehlers, Valerie (2013) Factors influencing patients' adherence to ART in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Vol. 24, No. 6, November/December 2013, 530-538

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Journal of the Association of Nurses in Aids Care

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Copyright © 2013 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

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