RESUMEN
Objectives: In this study, we explored determinants of "researcher-observed" patient-initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) repackaging practices among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Northern Tanzania. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design to describe the prevalence of ART self- repackaging; we conducted face-to-face surveys to determine factors associated with ART self- repackaging practices. Data collection sites included the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and the Mawenzi Referral Hospital. We used study-specific numerical identifiers assigned to ARTs packaging to determine self-repackaging behavior. Self-repackaging was defined as a binary variable where participants who discarded antiretroviral drugs packaging in at least 2 clinic visits were classified as self- repackagers. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the determinants of patient-initiated repackaging practices. Results: Among 590 study participants, 57.6% self-repackaged based on researcher observation and 55.6% self-repackaged based on patient report. Researcher-observed self- repackaging was associated with gender (AOR = 1.590; 95% CI: 1.011, 2.502), employment status (AOR = 0.475: 95% CI; 0.239, 0.942), and study site (AOR = 0.218; 95% CI: 0.134, 0.355). Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients self-repackage their ARTs for various reasons. Health system interventions should focus on addressing the attributes of repackaging among men and unemployed patients.
Asunto(s)
Fármacos Anti-VIH , Infecciones por VIH , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Prevalencia , TanzaníaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been shown to reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality amongst those living with HIV and reduce transmission of the virus to those who are yet to be infected. However, these outcomes depend on maximum ART adherence, and HIV programs around the world make efforts to ensure optimal adherence. Predictors of ART non-adherence vary considerably across populations and settings with respect to demographic, psychological, behavioral and economic factors. The objective of this study is to investigate risk factors that predict non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment among HIV-infected individuals in northern Tanzania. METHODS: At Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), a tertiary and referral hospital in northern Tanzania, we used an existing ART database to randomly select HIV-infected patients above 18 years of age who have been on triple ART for at least two years. We used interviewer administered structured questionnaires to cross-sectionally determine predictors of ART non-adherence. We determined non-adherence through retrospective review of pharmacy drug refill (PDR) records of the interviewed participants using a pharmacy database. RESULTS: Non-adherence was defined as collecting less than 95% of expected monthly refills in the previous 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of non-adherence. Of the 256 patients enrolled mean age was 44 years (SD ± 11) and median CD4 count was 499 cells per microliter (IQR 332-690). Median PDR adherence was 71% (IQR 58%-75%). Non-adherence was associated with younger age and unemployment. CONCLUSION: In this setting, adherence strategies could be adapted to address issues facing young adults, and those with household challenges such as unemployment. Further research is required to better understand the potential roles of these factors in suboptimal adherence.