Factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral drugs Use among adolescents living with hiv at china-uganda Friendship hospital-naguru, kampala.

Abstract

Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the central measure for viral load suppression and prevention of opportunistic infections among adolescents living with HIV. However, in Uganda, ART adherence among adolescents is at 67.4% which falls below the 95% WHO target. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral drug use among adolescents living with HIV at China-Uganda Friendship hospital-Naguru, Kampala District. A cross sectional descriptive study design employed quantitative collection methods. A sample size of 368 respondents was selected using a convenience sampling method. Using a researcher administered questionnaire, data was obtained and analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 20) for presentation in form of tables and graphs. Findings of the study revealed that 44.8% were under care of a single parent, 69.3% had not disclosed their status, 40.8% mentioned that non – adherence has no effect on them, 51.9% felt stigmatized and 48.1% reported that religious leaders‘ teachings were unbothered about ART, 62.5% were living in a distance of >5 kilometers, 73.1% reported that health workers had varying moods, 81.2% said that the operating time of the ART clinic was not convenient and 78% complained of long waiting time at the facility. The study concluded that adolescents were non – adherent to the recommended use of ART due to individual and health facility related factors. Therefore, health workers and caretakers should offer extensive counselling on adherence and improvement in delivery of ART services are necessary so as to enhance adherence