Factors Affecting Adherence to HIV Treatment in Young People
Author Information
Author(s): Kamote Sophia, Tesha Novatus Apolinary, Sunguya Bruno F.
Primary Institution: School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Hypothesis
What factors influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive adolescents and young adults in Tanzania?
Conclusion
More than one-third of adolescents and young adults were not adherent to ART in Tanga, Tanzania, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- 35.3% of adolescents and young adults were not adherent to ART.
- Those with secondary education were 2.3 times more likely to adhere to ART.
- Participants from households with moderate food insecurity were 67% less likely to adhere to ART.
- Those who consistently obtained ART at the clinic were 4.2 times more likely to adhere.
Takeaway
Many young people with HIV in Tanzania forget to take their medicine, especially if they don't have enough food or if they feel sick from the medicine.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study used a one-month self-recall medication adherence scale and a structured questionnaire to assess adherence and its determinants.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias due to reliance on self-reported adherence data.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported measures, which may introduce recall bias, and was conducted at a single hospital, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 385 adolescents and young adults aged 10-24, with a majority being female (55%) and living in urban settings (75%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI 0.16–0.66
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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