Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 134-151
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20211219
Factors Associated with Adherence to Antiretroviral Drugs among HIV Positive Patients Attending Selected Comprehensive Care Centers in Semi-Urban, Kenya
Martin Owuor Ochieng1, Gideon Kikuvi2, Daniel Mokaya3
1Postgraduate Student-Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
2Professor /Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
3Senior Lecturer- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
Corresponding Author: Martin Owuor Ochieng
ABSTRACT
Management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is multipronged but its nerve centre is lifelong adequate and consistent use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). The overall objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV positive patients attending selected Comprehensive Care Centres (CCC) in Kibwezi West Sub-county, Makueni County, Kenya. 385 respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling and interviewed. Three Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and two Key Informant Interviews (KII) were also conducted. Majority 364(94.5%) of the respondents were adherent to ARVs. There was a significant association between adherence to ARVs and gender {χ 2 (1) =4.636, p<0.05} with males likely to have poor adherence {OR 0.174 (95%CI 0.130, 0.233)}. Age was significantly associated with adherence {Likelihood Ratio G2 (4) =10.693, p<0.05} with older ages (above 65 years) likely to adhere. Living in the same house with someone on ARVs was significantly associated with adherence to ARVs {χ 2 (1) =3.997 p=<0.05} with respondents living in the same house with someone on ARVs likely to adhere {OR 0.144 (95%CI 0.103, 0.200)}. Majority of the respondents had adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards adherence to ARVs. FGDs and KIIs identified fear, stigma, not believing in oneself, participating in activities that hamper adherence such as drinking alcohol, ignorance, denial, lack of social support, busy work schedule poor attitude by health service providers, drug stock outs, distance and long waiting time as contributing to poor adherence to ARVs. In conclusion, constant education and awareness creation on importance of adherence to ARVs should be strengthened particularly during clinic appointments to maintain knowledge and enhance positive attitude towards adherence. Measures to improve adherence among the male and younger population should be strengthened.
Key words: adherence, antiretrovirals age, gender, knowledge, attitude.