This study sought to explore and describe the perceptions of ART patients, treatment
supporters and health care workers about their roles in ART adherence as well as their
perceptions about factors that affect ART adherence. This study was carried out at Oshakati
ART clinic in the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati in Oshana region, Northern Namibia. A
descriptive explanatory design was used. Unstructured interviews as data collection method
was applied. The net positive pressure theory is used to analyze perceptions on roles and
factors affecting ART adherence. Perceptions were sought from three groups namely ART
patients, treatment supporters and health care workers.
The findings revealed that ART patients, treatment supporters and health care workers
perceived their roles as pivots to ART adherence and all had positive perceptions. It also
revealed that most of the participants were knowledgeable about the factors that affect ART
adherence and economic factors as transport, money and poverty were among the most
reported. ART clinic related factors such as staff negative attitudes and long queues were
also reported as hindering adherence. Feeling better, use of alternative medication and
religious beliefs were reported as having a negative effect on ART adherence. This study
also revealed the importance of psychological and emotional support which was perceived
as having a critical role in ART adherence.
Health care workers and treatment supporters perceived adherence as an important aspect in
the success of antiretroviral treatment. Giving patients correct information, personal
motivation, patients understanding of treatment, traditional and religious beliefs were
among other factors perceived by health care workers to be impacting on ART adherence.