| Abstract: | The aim of the study is to assess the magnitude of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and
associated factors among PLWH attending ART clinic at Yergalem Health center in Yergalem
town, southern Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative facility based cross-sectional study
design was used and data were collected by interviewing 80 study participants using structured
questionnaire ,5 FGDs and in-depth interview with two health care workers conducted. The
research finding revealed 89% of the study participants had optimal adherence in the past Seven
days. And, the non adherence rate was 11%. Disclosure (p=0.000), reminder use (p=0.000) and
patients satisfaction from the improvement they get from treatment (p=0.01) were found to be
associated with ART adherence positively. results of the qualitative study revealed that disclosure
of HIV status, social support, use of reminders, life-long projects, counseling and education, and
improved health on ART facilitated medication adherence and retention in HIV care. While
economic constraints, with fear of stigma and discrimination, religious healing (Prayer), poor
healthcare services were perceived as barrier for good adherence. Adherence improving
interventions should be emphasized to address multi-faceted problems. To improve the level of
adherence Health care workers; case managers/adherence supporters should promote disclosure of
their HIV status to their families, relatives or friend. Intervention to promote adherence should
focus on area of promoting use of different memory aids like watches, mobiles. Quality of care in
terms of service quality, medication and laboratory supply availability need to be improved. |
