Title | Factors associated with self-reported adherence among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Gross R, Bandason T, Langhaug L, Mujuru H, Lowenthal ED, Ferrand R |
Journal | AIDS Care |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 322-6 |
Date Published | 2015 |
ISSN | 1360-0451 |
Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Anti-HIV Agents, Child, Counseling, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Male, Medication Adherence, Risk Factors, Self Report, Zimbabwe |
Abstract | Nonadherence to medication is the key obstacle to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success. The group at highest risk of nonadherence is adolescents, but relatively little is known about risk factors for and protective factors against poor adherence in this age group. We undertook a cross-sectional study of 262 HIV-infected adolescents aged 10-19 years on antiretroviral therapy at two clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe, to investigate personal and system-level factors associated with optimal self-reported adherence. Suboptimal adherence was common with only 101 (39%) reporting "excellent" adherence. Having the guardian present at each clinical encounter, comfort with asking questions to the health provider and participating in group sessions led by a professional facilitator were all significantly associated with excellent adherence (p < 0.05). Strengthening the parent-child dyad and professional-led groups as strategies to improve adherence should be evaluated. |
DOI | 10.1080/09540121.2014.969676 |
Alternate Journal | AIDS Care |
PubMed ID | 25338010 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4305494 |
Grant List | K23 MH095669 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States K23 MH095669 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States P30 AI 045008 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States P30 AI045008 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States |