DRUG ADHERENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS ON ART AT GURAGE ZONE HOSPITALS, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral therapy has an impressive clinical effect on the human immunodeficiency virus. Since the introduction of Antiretroviral Treatments, morbidities and mortalities due to HIV/AIDS have been significantly reduced. Adherence is the most important factor in determining Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment success and long term viral suppression. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the adherence rate of patients on antiretroviral drugs and associated factors among HIV positive patients at Gurage zone hospitals, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1-July 30, 2021 in Gurage zone hospitals, SNNPR of Ethiopia. A total of 342 study participants were participated in the study and systematic random sampling technique was used to select 342 study participants from each hospital. The data collected by using structured questionnaires through face to face interview and observation of patient card were edited, coded and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. In binary logistic regression variables with P-value <0.25 were considered to measure the association between dependent and each independent variable. In multivariable logistic regression variables with P-value ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant between independent variables and the outcome variable (medication adherence). Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength and direction of the association. Results: A total of 342 participants were included in the study with the response rate of 100%. The mean age of participants was 34.88 (SD ± 9.517) years with a maximum age of 67 and a minimum age of 19. The overall rate of adherence to ART was 78.4%. Having ARV drug side effect (AOR=0.328; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.830), having educational level of primary school (AOR=0.241; 95% CI: 0.072, 0.809), poor knowledge about HIV and its treatment (AOR=0.104; 95% CI: 0.028, 0.391), and HIV staging III (AOR=0.155; 95% CI: 0.029, 0.812) were negatively associated with good adherence. Whereas, average monthly income (AOR=6.195; 95% CI: 1.486, 25.822), one tablet taken in a day (AOR=26.959; 95% CI: 5.167, 140.660), and having no perceived social stigma (AOR=7.269; 95% CI: 2.290, 23.074) were positively associated with good ART drug adherence. Conclusion and recommendation: In this study, the rate of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was low when compared to WHO standard. It is important to provide information to patients on their treatment plan to ensure patients keep their regular follow up, to improve patient’s trust with clinician