Determinant factors affecting adherence to Antiretroviral (ARV) medications among patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Uganda. A case study of TASO, Mulago

Abstract

This study analyzes factors that influence Adherence to Antiretroviral Medications Among Patients Living with HIV in Uganda. To answer this question, the researcher compared the adherence levels of 290 participants with socio-demographic and other patient-related factors. The researcher also calculated their adherence levels and carried out research on the knowledge and perception of HIV and adherence to ARVs among the PLHIV. All this was done using STATA. The results show that 91% (228) of the patients on ART achieved perfect adherence (>=95%). The study findings suggested that socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, and average family income were not associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. No association was found between KAP and adherence to ART. Patients’ knowledge, attitude and perception of HIV and ART were high. This study highlights the need to give attention to adherence of patients as 20% of the study participants reported sub-optimal adherence.