School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collection

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https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/5617

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Browsing School of Social Sciences (SSS) Collection by Author "Achieng, Betty Ochieng"
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    Perceived social support and art adherence among women living with HIV at Holy Cross Orthodox Mission Hospital Namugoona
    (Makerere University, 2025) Achieng, Betty Ochieng
    The study explored the specific types specific types of social support that are mostly associated with ART adherence among women living with HIV at Holy Cross Orthodox Mission Hospital Namugoona. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the relationship between emotional support and ART adherence among WLWHIV, to explore the impact of instrumental support in promoting ART adherence among WLWHIV, to assess the effect of companionship on ART adherence among WLWHIV. An exploratory research design was employed in the study and purposive sampling was used to select the study sample. A total of 16 primary participants who responded to in-depth interviews and 6 health care providers responded to key informant interviews. The data obtained was analyzed using the thematic data analysis process. The findings revealed that emotional support from mothers, spouses, counselors and peer mentors significantly improved motivation for ART adherence. in contrast, stigma, fear of disclosure, and emotional rejection contributed to treatment fatigue and on adherence. Instrumental support such as transport, food, medication reminders among others directly facilitated access and consistent use of ART. Companionship through peer groups, religious circles and community involvement helped reduce emotional isolation and reinforced a sense of normalcy. However, challenges such as the aid cut, program instability and ongoing HIV stigma limited the effectiveness of support systems. The study recommends governments and the hospital to prioritize domestic funding for HIV activities, reducing reliance on external donors for example USAID so that there is no disruption of the HIV program activities and create a supportive community for the women living with HIV.