Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

Abstract

Level of ART Adherence and Associated Factors among HIV Sero- Positive Adult on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Mulugeta Asmare, Mekonnen Aychiluhem, Mulatu Ayana and Dube Jara

Background: The current number of sero-positive HIV patients in Ethiopia is about 700,000 with overall
estimated prevalence of 1.5%. The introduction of combination ART including protease inhibitors has resulted in
striking reductions in HIV-related mortality. Numerous reports have documented that the key to the success of the
new HAART is the ability and willingness of HIV-positive individuals to adhere to complex ART regimens, and at least
95% adherence is required for ART regimens to be fully effective.
Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess level of adherence to ART and associated factors among
HIV sero-positive adult on HAART.
Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 participants selected by systematic
sampling technique. A pre-tasted structured questionnaire was used by employing interview to collect necessary
data. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version. Significance level was set at 95% CI and p-value
of <0.05.
Results: The adherence rate of the study participants was 88.6%. Monthly family income [(AOR 0.3, 95%CI
0.13, 0.69)], delayed in taking ART drugs AIDS [(AOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.16,0.88)], fitness of daily treatment schedule
[(AOR 9.7, 95% CI 4.6,28)] and consistently taking of ART drugs [(AOR 5.7,95%CI, 2.6,25.3)] were significantly
associated with ART adherence.
Conclusion: The ART adherence level in this study was low. Delay in taking ART drug AIDs, monthly family
income, fitness of daily treatment schedule and consistent taking of ART drugs were significantly associated with
ART adherence. Measures have to be taken to address these problems.