HIV Treatment Adherence: Evidence Based Strategies

This study was carried out in order to determine factors that may influence anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The main objective was to identify factors that can be used to predict adherence in patients taking ARVs. Specific objectives were to identify associations between patients' knowledge, beliefs, socio-economic status and disclosure and adherence. This was a case-control study carried out at Chreso Ministries ART and VCT Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. A total of 304 respondents who had been on ART for not less than 6 months were studied between may 2006 and September 2006. Tests of associations using the Chi-squared test or the Fisher's Exact test were done using Epi Info. SPSS's logistic regression was used to determine predictability.Most importantly in this research, we were interested in predicting adherence using the record captured variables of employment status at enrollment, income level at enrollment, disclosure status at enrollment and timing of treatment inception.

Autorentext

Dr. Chitangala has BA.Ed (UNZA), MPH (UNZA) and MSC (CUZ). He was awarded with a Doctorate of Humanities by Chreso University. He has expertise in HIV treatment programs design and management, donor/grants management. He currently serves as Director of Communication and Marketing in an iNGO. He is part-time lecturer at The University of Lusaka.