personal factors influencing patients' adherence to ART in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

摘要

Our study attempted to identify personal (patientrelated)factors influencing antiretroviral therapy(ART) adherence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative,descriptive design was used. Structured interviewswere conducted with 355 HIV-infectedpatients on ART. The findings revealed that stigma,discrimination, depression, and alcohol use negativelyaffected patients’ ART adherence levels.However, patients’ knowledge levels had no influenceon their ART adherence levels, contrary to otherresearchers’ reports. Addressing stigma and discriminationat community levels might enhance patients’abilities to take their medications in the presence ofothers. Health care professionals should be educatedto diagnose and treat depression in patients duringthe early stages of ART administration. Patients whoare nonadherent to ART should be counseled aboutpotential alcohol abuse. Stigma-related challengesalso need to be addressed.