Assessment of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among HIV/AIDS Patients at Jugel Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia. 2021

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major global health concern, significantly impacting not only health systems but also economic development and social fabric; it reduces life expectancy, exacerbates poverty, and contributes to food insecurity. While the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has improved the lives of people living with HIV, strict adherence to treatment regimens is crucial to maintain its effectiveness and prevent the development of drug resistance. Objective: To assess ART adherence among HIV/AIDS patients at Jugol Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed using a quantitative approach to determine the status of ARV adherence among HIV patients at Jugel Hospital from February 20, 2021, to March 10, 202. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The study covered all consecutive patients who attended the ART at Jugel Hospital for medication refills over the study period. Results: Of the total 210 HIV-infected patients, the largest number were females, 62%, and belonged to the 26-35 age group, 112 (53.4%). Out of the 210 respondents, the majority, 129(61.4%), used cell phone alarms/watch bells for memory aids to take their medication on time. Most respondents thought that for more Adherence to ART, people need family and other support, education about the importance of medication and schedule aids, an understanding of the importance of adhering, and a belief in the efficacy of medication. Of the total, only 34 respondents had a history of missed doses after they had started ART. The main reasons for missed doses were forgetting 14(41.2%), being busy 9(26.3%), run out of pills 4(11.7%), fear of taking medication in front of others 5(14.7%) and side effects 2(5.9%). The main reasons that made the patients not follow and attend their clinical appointments regularly were forgetting 12(48%), being away from home 7(28%) and being busy 6(24%). Conclusion: In our study, the self-reported adherence rate was higher than in industrialized nations. Regular patient follow-up, raising patients' understanding of ARV adverse effects, and enhancing patients' confidence, trust, and happiness with their caregivers are all goals of programs and clinical initiatives to promote drug taking in study setups.