This study, which was conducted from 1 to 31 October 2012, was aimed at describing the
main factors that influence adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatment in three selected
health facilities of Palapye Health District. During the one-month data collection period, 30
adolescents were interviewed using semi-structured interview tools.
Different factors influencing adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatment were highlighted
and adherence to such treatment was measured using the method of calculating the percentage
of returned pills. The mean adherence level for the entire sample was 76.96%, with common
factors contributing to poor adherence among adolescents being found to be the poor
processing of disclosure, stigma, the accessibility of health facilities, due distance and waiting
time, the nature of social support, and feelings toward taking antiretroviral. Thus, by
addressing adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatment, adolescent-adherence counselling
before and during treatment is to be shaped, insisting on the preparation of young patient
caregivers for the process of disclosure; the reinforcement of positive messages during
consultations; insistence on the importance of disclosing HIV status to others; the
implementation of the antiretroviral dispensing outreach at health posts; and exerting effort to
reduce the waiting time at health facilities prioritising young patients and adolescents.