Barriers to antiretroviral adherence of HIV/AIDS patients under the Wellness programme in Mogwase health centre

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study determines barriers affecting Antiretroviral Adherence to patients on the wellness programme .It was undertaken at Moses Kotane Health Sub-District in Mogwase Health Centre.A qualitative study was done using a structured questionnaire which included open and closed –ended questions. A total of 20 people (6 male and 14 female) who are HIV positive and on ART participated in the study. Participants were aged 21 years and above. Data was analyzed using qualitative methods. Frequencies were used for analysis of closed ended questions. Themes were identified in open-ended questions.The responses given by the patients gave an insight on barriers affecting ART of HIV/AIDS adherence under the wellness programme in Mogwase Health Centre although the study population was too small to make conclusions of a generalized nature to all those on ART. In this study, it was revealed that the following barriers may play a role in poor adherence: Transport issues, financial burden, food insecurity, forgetfulness and lack of social support. The main finding in this research was that many barriers thought to be contributing to poor adherence do not seem to have influence on ART adherence in this setting although general ART adherence of patients at Mogwase Health Centre is low.To enhance good adherence, it is of paramount importance that ART be rolled out to the lowest level health centres, and mobile point should reach patients in order to avoid transport cost, more nurses should be trained on prescribing and dispensing of ART, and patients should be given at least 3 months supply of ART. Lastly.it would be of importance to conduct a similar type of study in the future on a larger scale to verify the results of this study.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University