Antiretroviral medication adherence among patients with HIV

Abstract

Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapy has caused a remarkable decrease in the occurrence of diseases and mortality among HIV positive patients, while this success has not been achieved among patients due to a low adherence to antiretroviral medicine.Objectives: To assess antiretroviral medication adherence.Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to assess antiretroviral medication adherence among 35 HIV infected patients at the ART centre, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, selected by convenient sampling technique. A standardized tool (Multi-Method Tool to Measure ART Adherence) was used to assess ART adherence. Data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The study revealed that, 51.43% patients had high adherence, 28.57% had low adherence and remaining 20% were moderately adherent to ART. Patients ARV adherence was significantly associated with marital status, numbers of children and CD4 count (p