Antiretroviral drug adherence : what happens when patients are hospitalized to medical wards and level one wards in Dr. George Mukhari hospital, Pretoria, and they are on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy [HAART]

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Purpose of the studyThe main purpose of the study was to investigate the antiretroviral drug adherence of patients ongovernment HAART regimen while being hospitalized at Dr. George Mukhari hospital in medicalwards and level one ward. Ensuring high levels of adherence to antiretroviral treatment is a priority inmanaging patients with AIDS.Research DesignQualitative and quantitative data was collected prospectively. Data was collected through interviewingpatients and registered nurses using structured questionnaires. Doctors' clinical notes from theparticipant's (patients) files were audited to understand the real gaps in failing to support the patientswith adherence to their treatment.FindingsIn investigating the antiretroviral treatment drug adherence of hospitalized patients, two indicatorswere used: The percentage of patient's drug adherence level. The level of support that is given by registered nurses and doctors to support the patients inmaintaining their adherence to treatment while admitted.The research findings from the 25 participants revealed that 28% of patients had >95% adherence leveland 72% of patients had <95% adherence level. The level of support from the doctors and registerednurses was poor, there was no commitment. These findings suggest that further studies are needed toimprove the adherence level of patients on antiretroviral treatment.ConclusionsAdherence to antiretroviral treatment is a powerful predictor of survival for individual living with HIVand AIDS. Factors that contributed to non-adherence should be attended to without delay.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University