Norah Lucky Katende-Kyenda and Teke Apalata
Walter Sisulu University, South Africa
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Microb Biochem Technol
Background: Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been increased worldwide. The prevalence of HIV infection especially in the youth has increased, so information regarding ART adherence and strategies to address non-adherence are urgently needed in middle and low-income countries. Objectives: To determine factors associated with poor adherence to ART and thereafter apply an Information-Motivation- Behavioral Skills (IMB) model in ART adherence among HIV/AIDS attending a public primary health Care Clinic, to achieve a better therapeutic outcome. Methodology: Data were collected from 86 HIV-infected during a descriptive cross-sectional study using a standardizedquestionnaire and face-to-face-exit interviews. Pill-counts technique was performed and adherence-rate of �95% considered acceptable. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Univariate-factors associated with poor-adherence to HAART were assessed using ANOVA and p�0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of 86 HIV-infected patients, 63 (73.3%) were females and 23 (26.7%) males and were enrolled on HAART for 35.5 (±31.8) months ranging from 1-137 months with mean age (±SD) of 35.6 (±9.6) years. Of these, 27 (31.40%) and 25 (29.07%) were on WHO stages 2 and 3 respectively. Adherence-rate computed from 32 patients revealed 23 (71.9%) having poor adherence-rate. The level of knowledge about HAART was that of 85 participants that responded, in terms of names of tablets, correct dose, when to take their tablets and knowing their adverse effects had no influence on adherence. Of the 23 patients that were non-compliant, 10 (40%) gave the reason that drugs were not available, followed by 7 (30%) who complained of adverse effects, then 5 (20%) who said drugs were too many and 1(10%) that were too busy to take the tablets. Discussion: The information construct in the IBM model for adherence was represented in the form of patients understanding of adherence requirements and the adverse effects of ART. Some did not want to take the antiretroviral drugs plus other drugs because they were too many and not good for their liver. Patients needed to be motivated through social influences on adherence from partners, family members and daily reminders. Behavioral skills are applied through by advising the HIVinfected to think about their dosing schedule on a long-term basis and to develop a strategy based on their activities. Conclusion: Knowledge about the disease, its symptoms, treatment and side-effects of the medications are crucial information that ha¬s to be passed on to the patient.
Email: david.houghton@ncl.ac.uk