Explaining Adherence Success in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Agnes Binagwaho, Niloo Ratnayake
Hypothesis
Why are Africans with HIV more adherent to ART than their counterparts in North America despite being less educated about HIV and having more obstacles to overcome?
Conclusion
The study shows that social capital and social responsibility significantly contribute to high adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- Adherence to ART in sub-Saharan Africa is higher than in North America.
- Patients often prioritize transportation for clinic visits over basic needs like food.
- Social responsibility among families and friends encourages adherence to treatment.
Takeaway
People in Africa help each other a lot, which makes them more likely to take their medicine for HIV. They care about their friends and family, so they stick to their treatment.
Methodology
The study used ethnographic methods, including interviews with patients, treatment partners, and health care providers, as well as observations of clinic visits.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to all regions or populations in Africa.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 158 patients, 45 treatment partners, and 49 health care workers from Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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