Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Adults living with HIV/AIDS in Arsi Zone, Oromia

Abstract

Dibaba B and Hussein M

Objective: To assess factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults living with HIV/ AIDS in Arsi zone. Methods: This is a multiple facility-based cross-sectional study, where 306 adult aged over 18 years who were receiving antiretroviral therapy had interviewed using a structured questionnaire about their experience of taking antiretroviral therapy between June 1, 2015-June1, 2016. Additional data was extracted from each facilities record. Participants were defined as non-adherent if they missed at least one dose of their highly active antiretroviral therapy prescriptions within the last 30 days. Participants were also asked to indicate reasons for missing doses of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Descriptive analysis and Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of non-adherence. The odds ratios in the binary logistic regression along with 95% confidence interval were used. Results: Overall, 306 clients responded; 35% were non-adherent. Seventy five (24.5%) and 214(69.9%) patients agreed and strongly agreed that the use of antiretroviral therapy is essential in their life. Thirty seven (12.1%) do not know whether drug resistance develop when antiretroviral therapy are missed or not. The reasons for missing doses include forgetting 71 (23.2%) and hiding from colleagues 90 (29.4%). Respondents who reported hiding from colleagues were found to be 2 times more likely to be non-adherent to antiretroviral therapy compared to respondents who had not reported hiding from colleagues (adjusted odds ratio = 2.02; 95% Confidence interval: 1.19-3.43). Conclusion: Prevalence of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy is high. Some of the respondents do not know whether drug resistance develop when antiretroviral therapy are missed or not. Forgetfulness and hiding from colleague were the most common reason for missing doses. Hence, antiretroviral therapy counselors need to emphasis on memory aids. Creation of awareness on the risks of non-adherence is needed.