Abstract:
Background: Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy is the most important determinant of survival for people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and is a major tool for optimal virologic suppression as well as increased CD4+cell count.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess Anti Retro Viral Therapy adherence and associated factors among adult People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Highly Active Antiretroviral treatment in Teppi health center, Teppi town, South West Ethiopia, 2015.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was used to assess Anti Retro Viral therapy adherence and associated factors. A total of 381 patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral treatment selected by simple random sampling technique from Adult Antiretroviral treatment clinic were included in the study. A structured and standard questionnaire adapted from Adult AACTG was used. EpiInfo7 and SPSSversion20 were used for data entry and data analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics were carried out then bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore significant variables. Variables having p-value≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral treatment was 81.7% [95%CI 77.8, 85.9]. Use of memory aid [AOR: 4.68, 95%CI :( 2.12, 10.36)], regimen change [AOR: 0.23, 95%CI: (0.07, 0.74)], disclosure status [AOR: 9.59, 95%CI: (2.87, 16.86)] and belief on efficacy of HAART [AOR: 0.06, 95%CI: (0.01, 0.94) were factors significantly associated with adherence to antiretroviral treatment.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral treatment was comparable with most of studies. The main factors associated with HAART adherence were HIV disclosure status, use of reminder aid, initial HAART regimen change and belief on efficacy of HAART. Interventions to promote adherence should focus on areas, such as encouraging disclosure status, promoting use of different memory aids, like alarm watches and mobile bells, continuous monitoring and follow up of patients clinical condition and drug related factors.
