Background: The introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has shown a
tremendous reduction in HIV-related mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV
/ AIDS. Adherence to ART is the key to a successful treatment outcome. This study
investigates the adherence of people living with HIV who are on ART. Since high
levels of adherence of more than 95% are required to achieve effective suppression
of the viral load, the researcher finds it very important to establish whether the
people are pursuing what is expected of them. While the use of ART has brought
much excitement and hope to both patients and medical practitioners in the world, it
has also brought many new questions and challenges, including adherence issues.
Adherence is, therefore, essential to achieve the success of ART.
Aim: The main objective was to determine which factors influence adherence to ART
among HIV and AIDS patients.
Methods: This study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design that
was conducted at the Kwa-Thema Clinic, Ekurhuleni District, Gauteng Province.
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with open- and closed-ended
questions where a total of 290 respondents were interviewed. Data was analysed
using SPSS software version 22 and the analysed data was presented by means of
charts, graphs, and frequency tables.
Results: The findings indicated that the adherence to ART at the Kwa-Thema Clinic
was 77%. Factors that were significantly associated with adherence were gender ((?2
= 3.78, df = 1, p < 0.05).), level of education ((?2
= 3.52, df = 3, p = 0.032), cotreatment
of HIV and other infections (?2
= 5.46, df = 4, p = 0.019).), ability to follow
ART ((?2 = 12.82, df = 1, p = 0.000 < 0.05), and types of ARV drugs.
Recommendation: To enhance ART adherence the study recommends
intensification of health education campaign against stigma and gender
discrimination. Providing feedback to the patients by the healthcare providers
regarding the benefits of ART is important.ix
Conclusion: It was concluded that the adherence to ART at the Kwa-Thema Clinic
was sub-optimal (less than 95%) at 77% but comparable to the adherence levels in
other developing countries.