Factors impacting on adherence to antiretroviral treatment at False Bay Hospital

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to investigate factors impacting on adherence to antiretroviral treatment on people living with HIV and to further explore challenges they come across with adherence. The primary focus of this investigation relates to the following four themes.(i)To evaluate demographic factors such as age, gender and socio-economic factors and the influence they have or contribution to adherence, in correlation with the effects of cultural and health beliefs in this context. (ii) To establish the significance of counselling and review critical challenging issues that needs consideration. (iii) To investigate the nature of reception (negative or ( positive) that patient receives in this local health facility, including the nature of perceived youth friendliness as it may act as a deterrent for confidentiality with regard to referrals. (iv) To determine perceived relationship between health care providers and patients, by patients in terms of support system, referral systems and the prevention of stigma and discrimination.This study comprises of the literature analysis on adherence globally and in the South African context, reviewing the challenges experienced by many South Africans and people living in this country. The study was implemented at a Government's facility in a health care sector 'False Bay Hospital in the Western Cape, through one focus group and ten semi-structured interviews with patients. The findings of the study reveal that stigma and discrimination is one of the leading causes to poor adherence on antiretroviral treatment including social problems experienced by PLWA. Support and counselling programmes provided at False Bay Hospital were significant but did not necessarily help PLWA in other challenges they came across with. This study also demonstrated the importance of health education and good relationship with patience has a positive effect towards adherence and improves chances of better health.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University