Understanding Non-Compliance in Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV Positive Adolescents and Young Adults at Buea Regional Hospital: Challenges and Solutions

In the light of considerable efforts by the WHO and various international AIDS control initiatives, a significant number of adolescents and young adults at Buea Regional Hospital continue to face challenges with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This cross-sectional study aimed to identify specific factors contributing to non-compliance, revealing a disturbing non-compliance rate of 31.3%. Conducted from June to August 2022, the study utilized a convenience sampling technique to enroll 150 consented participants. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics alongside ART adherence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 and Excel 2013, resulting in an overall compliance rate of 68.7%. The analysis highlighted significant associations between non-compliance and factors such as taking medication during depressive episodes (p=0.016) and ceasing medication when experiencing depression (p=0.010). Although a majority, 76.0%, reported a good sense of well-being, the study also identified persistent challenges, with 16.4% of participants indicating a lack of interest in daily tasks. These findings emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions that specifically address the psychological and social factors impacting adherence among this population. In particular, enhancing support for adolescents and young adults during periods of depression, as well as providing education to bolster medication knowledge, could improve compliance rates. Understanding these underlying issues is essential for developing effective strategies to enhance ART adherence and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for HIV-positive adolescents and young adults. Therefore, a multifaceted approach that incorporates mental health support, education, and community engagement is vital to facilitate better compliance and health outcomes in this vulnerable population.