International Biological and Biomedical Journal
IBBJ
Medical Sciences
http://ibbj.org
1
admin
2423-4478
8
7
14
2423
13
en
jalali
1396
3
1
gregorian
2017
6
1
3
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online
1
fulltext
en
Factors Affecting Treatment Adherence among HIV-Positive Patients in Eritrea
Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease
Original Article
Original Article
<p style="text-align: justify;">Strict adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is critical for sustained suppression of viral replication and prevention of opportunistic infections that often lead to disability or death. With increased availability of ART in recent years, achievement of optimal adherence has become very important in the management of HIV/AIDS in Eritrea. To assess the factors affecting adherence to ART of HIV-positive patients visiting ART clinics in Halibet national referral hospital and Hazhaz hospital, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to March 2016. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study areas. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling from patients who came to take their medication from the ART out-patient department of the hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 150 patients. Almost half of the patients were between the age group of 30-40 years. Patients with an educational level of 9-12th grade had higher adherence levels. There was a significant association between age of participants and the dose missed (P= 0.002, 95% CI). The presence of adverse drug reaction (ADRs) was common, and 65% of the participants experienced them. 78.5% of the patients who experienced ADRs reported they would consult a doctor when experiencing the symptoms. 56.6% of the participants said that they always take ART on time. 62% reported they did not miss any dose of anti-HIV medication in the last seven days. Overall, the patients had good adherence to ART treatment. Perceived stigma and discrimination and medication side effects were the main reasons for non-adherence. Continuous health education on ART management and periodic counseling emerged as contributors for a better adherence level.</p>
HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy, treatment adherence, adverse drug reaction
150
156
http://ibbj.org/browse.php?a_code=A-10-205-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1
Meron
Mehari
meronmehari121@gmail.com
10031947532846002617
10031947532846002617
Yes
School of Public Health, Asmara College of Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea.
Nahom
Kiros
nahomkiros21@gmail.com
10031947532846002618
10031947532846002618
No
School of Public Health, Asmara College of Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea.
Almaz
Yemane
memehkifl19@gmail.com
10031947532846002619
10031947532846002619
No
Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea.
Nahom
Asghedom
kesemeha213@gmail.com
10031947532846002620
10031947532846002620
No
Ministry of Health
Simon
Debesay
merhmeha@gmail.com
10031947532846002621
10031947532846002621
No
Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea.
Tsega
Tekeste
newpython59@yahoo.com
10031947532846002622
10031947532846002622
No
Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea.