The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence adherence to ART
among adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical transmission. Qualitative
research using descriptive phenomenology was conducted at Botswana-Baylor
Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence.
Data was collected using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews. Eight (8)
adolescents between 14 and 19 years who had been on ART for minimum of 4
years were interviewed. Thematic analysis of data was done and five (5) themes
emerged from the participants' description of the experience of taking ART taking
ART over a long period of time. The themes that emerged indicated the factors
that influence adherence to ART, and they included knowledge and positive beliefs
about ART, need for support, ART difficult treatment regimen, having a regular
doctor and psychosocial emotional needs.
The findings suggested that the adolescents who contracted HIV through vertical
transmission require support while continuing on a simplified long-term ART
regimen after an assessment of their psychological well beings and periodic
checks.