ABSTRACT
Background: Non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy is a major challenge to AIDS care; and the risks associated with it are extensive. Objective: To assess factors associated with non-adherence among AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Yirgalem Hospital; Southern Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross sectional survey was carried out at Yirgalem Hospital between July 10 and August 30; 2006. The two-proportion formula for unmatched case control study with 1:3 ratio was used to calculate the sample size. Systematic sampling was used to recruit patients. Using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire; data on drug adherence were collected through interview and pill count. Non-adherent patients were compared with adherent patients and associations with key risk factors were determined. Results: Two hundred and ninety one AIDS patients were involved in the survey. Prevalence of adherence in the week before interview was 74.2. Main reasons of non-adherence cited by the patients were; being busy or simply forgetting (51); change in daily routine (9.4); and being away from home (8.3). Non-adherence was commoner among patients reporting symptoms in the past four weeks (Adj. OR=6.41; 95CI: 2.41 to 17.08); who lived more than 47 km away (AOR= 2.48; 95CI: 1.24 to 4.98); or who had dependents (Adj. OR=1.95; 95CI: 1.06 to 3.57). Conclusions: Efforts must be made to make the service accessible by commencement of ART service in more Health Centers; to improve patients' awareness of ARV adverse effects; and to provide social support to all People Living with HIV; particularly those who have dependents.http://indexmedicus.afro.who.int/iah/fulltext/EJHD/vol 22 n2/Adherence to ART 174-179