National Journal of Community Medicine (Jan 2020)
Level of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Determinants among People Living With HIV/AIDS Accessing Services at Tertiary Hospital -ART Centre
Abstract
Introduction: There has been a dramatic reduction in Human Immunodeficiency Virus related morbidity and mortality due to Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART). Adherence to the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy regimen is critical for success of Antiretroviral Therapy. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Anti Retroviral Therapy centre attached to tertiary care hospital. Sample size of 110 was derived & those satisfying inclusion criteria were interviewed using semi- structured questionnaire. Results: 54.5% of respondents were males. More than half of them were in age group of 40-59 years. 27.2% travelled more than 100 Kms to access the service. It was observed that 94.5%, 84.5%, 83.6% & 89.1% reported > 95% adherence in previous 4 days, one week, 1 month & 3 months respectively. Statistically significant association was observed between the distance travelled for availing Anti Retroviral Therapy services and the level of adherence. Conclusion: A good level of adherence was observed which could be further improved by counseling and additional support. Distance travelled was the significant barrier in accessing the services which can be overcome by making services decentralized and by addressing the stigma for utilizing services in nearby centres.
