Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among patients living with HIV/AIDS in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Antiretroviral therapy has transformed the HIV infection into a chronic manageably disease. Optimal adherence (≥ 95%) has required to achieve treatment success; however, still non-adherence remains major problem among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The aim of this study was to determine adherences rate and evaluate factors affecting adherence among patients on ART in Dessie Referral Hospital (DRH). Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study employing both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. A total of 130 people living with HIV/AIDS on ART were included. All patients who came to the hospital during study period were considered based on convenient sampling technique. Chi-Square test is used to examine the association of adherence with associated factors. Both data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results: Of 130 respondents, 58(44.6%) were males and 72(55.4%) were females and 107 (82.3%) had 100% adherences, 10(7.7%) had 95 -100% and the rest, 13(10%) had <95% adherences with overall adherence rate of 90% for last month prior to the study period. The main reasons for non-adherence were 12(37.5%) forgetfulness, 7(21.8%) being away from home and 4 (12.5%) being extremely ill. Use of other medications in addition to antiretroviral drugs (p=0.01), treatment fit into daily routines (p=0.01), family disclosure (p=0.01), active substance use (p=0.04) and living condition (p=0.00) were significantly associated with adherence to ART. Conclusion: The self reported adherence rate to ART (90%) was found to be relatively higher which needs inclusion of other methods to ensure consistency of this value. Forgetfulness, being away from home and being extremely ill were the foremost reasons for non-adherence. The patients should be encouraged to maintain this high level of adherence.