FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO DOLUTEGRAVIR-BASED REGIMEN AMONG ADULT HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING ANTI RETRO VIRAL THERAPY CLINIC AT MILDMAY UGANDA HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of the study was to determine the adherence and factors associated with adult HIV patients on DTG regimens attending the ART clinic at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.

Methodology:

This was a cross-sectional study design that used quantitative methods of data collection methods. Systematic sampling techniques were used to enroll every 2^nd patient on DTG daily into the study.  Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and presented using tables, pie charts, and graphs.

Of the 30 respondents, non-adherence was 30% and this was common among participants aged 21-30 years (67%), those who had attained secondary school education level (67%), those taking alcohol (56%) and those not taking medication in time (56%).

Results:

Most of the study participants 15(50%) were aged 21-30 years. The prevalence of non-adherence was high (30%) and was common among youthful adults (21-30 years), with poor social behaviors like taking alcohol, low socio-economic status and not taking medication on time. Study findings showed that the majority (33%) of the non-adhering respondents were peasant farmers and this is where they earn their living.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of non-adherence was at 30% and was characterized by many factors. These were respondents aged between 21 and 30 years of age, young adults without partnership support, low education level, poor social behaviors like taking alcohol, low economic status, and those poor timing for taking drugs.

Recommendations:

The Ministry of Health should strengthen sensitization programs on DTG adherence through HIV treatment programs like community outreaches and community drug refills where HIV patients can be followed up and given drug refills from their homes.