Adherence to ART in PLWHA at Yirgalem Hospital, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy is a major challenge to AIDS care, and the risks associated
with it are extensive.
Objective: To assess factors associated with non-adherence among AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at
Yirgalem Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.
Method: A comparative cross sectional survey was carried out at Yirgalem Hospital between July 10 and August 30,
2006. The two-proportion formula for unmatched case control study with 1:3 ratio was used to calculate the sample
size. Systematic sampling was used to recruit patients. Using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire, data on drug
adherence were collected through interview and pill count. Non-adherent patients were compared with adherent
patients and associations with key risk factors were determined.
Results: Two hundred and ninety one AIDS patients were involved in the survey. Prevalence of adherence in the week
before interview was 74.2%. Main reasons of non-adherence cited by the patients were; being busy or simply
forgetting (51%), change in daily routine (9.4%), and being away from home (8.3%). Non-adherence was commoner
among patients reporting symptoms in the past four weeks (Adj. OR=6.41, 95% CI: 2.41 to 17.08), who lived more
than 47 km away (AOR= 2.48, 95%CI: 1.24 to 4.98), or who had dependents (Adj. OR=1.95, 95%CI: 1.06 to 3.57).
Conclusions: Efforts must be made to make the service accessible by commencement of ART service in more Health
Centers; to improve patients’ awareness of ARV adverse effects; and to provide social support to all People Living
with HIV, particularly those who have dependents. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22 (2):174-179]