P.G. Sow, K.Toure, M. Coume, A.T. Dia, I. Traore
Treatment adherence is one of the challenges in the failure of HAART. According to studies, 10% of patients are likely to experience virological fa ilure even if they maintain 95% or more adherences. Unfortunately, non-adherence to ART in adult population is varied from 33% to 88%. Hence, in the present study, we report various pred ictors of ART adherence and suggest appropriate intervention. We conducted a cross sect ional study during the first quarter of year 2011 at the Institute of Health and Hygiene of Daka r. Based on certain inclusion criteria HIV infected individuals included for the study after g etting informed consent. Apart from socio- demographic details, Anthropometry and ART adherenc e were obtained directly from the participants. CD4 count at “0” month and 6 th month was obtained. Chi-square tests, “F” test and “t” tests were performed to see the statistical signi ficance. Of 60 participants interviewed 30 were women. Median age of respondents was 35. Mean durat ion of illness was 34.05 months and duration of ART was 17.67 months. Fifty five percen t of respondent’s spouses were HIV positive. Poor adherence was reported by 21%. Poor ART adhere nce has resulted in lower CD4 increase. For example, persons reported good adherence had me an of 184.81 while participants reported poor adherence had and increase of 78.12. No signif icant difference in BMI was observed. Pill burden (p-value .000), Feeling better (p-vale .006) and adverse effects (p-value-.000) were directly related to poor adherence. To lesser extend, experi ence of stigma (p-value-.053), and satisfaction with quantum of drugs consumed (p-vale.015) have co ntributed to poor adherence. In conclusion the results highlight the importance of addressing the issues of adverse effects and repeated counselling session on sustained intake of drugs to improve ART adherence.
Share this article