Abstract:
Background: Ethiopia introduced ART (Anti-retroviral therapy) relatively recently, in 2004.
However, the effectiveness of the intervention has not been evaluated. The objective of this
study was to assess the level of adherence among patients enrolled to ART in Dilla Hospital
and determining factors for non-adherence.
Method: A cross-sectional study with internal comparison was conducted among AIDS
patients receiving antiretroviral treatment at Dilla Hospital Systematic sampling method was
used to draw study subjects. Total of 348 study subjects were participated in the study. Data
collection was done from March 20 to April 19, 2009 using structured questionnaires. Then it
was analyzed using EPI-info and SPSS 15.0 version.
Result: The level of ART adherence at Dilla hospital based on multi-method assessment was
77%, while single method alone shown (Self-report 292(83.9%), PIT 291(83.6%) and Pill count
276(79.3%). Disclosure HIV status, knowledge about ART adherence, presence of social
support were associated with ART adherence level AOR (95% C.I) = 4.041(1.721, 9.491),
62.960(23.475, 168.860), and 3.516(1.362, 9.077) respectively.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The lower level of ART adherence is critical problem
and poses challenges on expansion of ART service because of it consequence such as
emerging drug resistance virus which could divert the benefit of ART with high morbidity and
mortality.
An effort should be done for fighting stigma and discrimination through participation of CBOs
(Community Based Organizations), cultural structures like Idirs and strengthens PLHIV
association. Encouraging patients in order to involve family members before and after
initiation of ART treatment is also an important strategy to reduce non-adherence factors.
