HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care (Jun 2023)

Factors Influencing ART Adherence Among Persons Living with HIV Enrolled in Community Client-Led Art Delivery Groups in Lira District, Uganda: A Qualitative Study

  • Isabirye R,
  • Opii DJ,
  • Opio Ekit S,
  • Kawomera A,
  • Lokiru L,
  • Isoke R,
  • Ssenkaali J,
  • Puleh SS

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 15
pp. 339 – 347

Abstract

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Rogers Isabirye,1 Didan Jacob Opii,1 Sharon Opio Ekit,2 Alice Kawomera,2 Luke Lokiru,3 Robert Isoke,1 Joachim Ssenkaali,4 Sean Steven Puleh3 1Department of Midwifery and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira, Uganda; 2Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda; 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira, Uganda; 4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, UgandaCorrespondence: Sean Steven Puleh, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, P.O Box 1035, Lira City, Uganda, Email [email protected]: Community client-led ART delivery groups (CCLADs) were introduced as one of the strategies to better serve individual needs and reduce unnecessary burdens on the health system. However, limited data adequately explained the factors influencing ART adherence among HIV/AIDS patients in CCLAD’s model of care. The study aimed to assess the factors influencing ART adherence among HIV-positive patients attending CCLADs in Lira District, Uganda.Materials and Methods: We employed a qualitative method of data collection recruiting 25 study participants (expert clients) between July and August 2020. The study purposefully chose 25 participants to participate in with HIV/AIDS patients enrolled in community-based HIV care models. The interviews were recorded on audiotape, transcribed, and translated verbatim. We used a thematic approach to analyze the data.Results: Our study shows that social support among group members, patient self-motivation, counselling, and guidance were the major facilitators of adherence. From the analysis of results, our study found the following themes: Lack of food, stigma, forgetfulness, stress, unfair staff at the hospital, and socio-cultural beliefs were among the major barriers identified in this study.Conclusion: The study emphasizes that CCLADs improve ART adherence for HIV-positive clients by providing a supportive environment and medication access. Peer influence on alternative medicine usage hinders adherence. We recommend that continued support, funding, and education are necessary to address misconceptions and sustain CCLADs’ effectiveness.Keywords: community client-led ART delivery, barriers, facilitators, HIV/AIDS

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