Background: The efficacy of anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) depends on adherence to
the prescribed regimen. However, lack of adherence leads to treatment failure and
drug resistance among other negative outcomes.
Objective: To determine factors influencing adherence to ARVS among patients
attending the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) within Jomo Kenyatta University of
Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Design: A descriptive cross sectional study.
Setting: Comprehensive Care Clinic within JKUAT.
Subjects: Three hundred HIV positive patients, undergoing ART treatment and follow
up at the JKUAT clinic for a minimum duration of one month before the study, were
recruited.
Results: Of the 300 patients enrolled for the study (70% females and 30% males),
81%were adhering to ARV treatment. The factors that were significantly associated
with adherence included; Support (encouragement and reminder to take drugs)
(P=0.025); the number of meals respondents took in a day (P = 0.001); pill burden (P
= 0.002) and forgetfulness (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant relationship
between adherence and age, marital status, education, employment status or time
taken to travel to the clinic.
Conclusion: This study concluded that, the observed level of sub-optimal adherence
to ART (19%) is of public health concern. These patients are vulnerable to treatment
failure and development of resistant viral strains. Consequently the modifiable factors
(Support, Number of meals taken, pill burden, and forgetfulness, should be addressed
to change the current tread