Title:
Socio-Economic, Individual, Health System and Service Factors; Understanding the Barriers to ART Adherence among Adults Living with HIV in Tanzania
Authors:
Samu, Linda
Year:
2015
PAGE:
viii, 60
Language:
En
Subject:
Governance & HIV and AIDS
Keywords:
HIV, Adherence, ART, Barriers, People Living with HIV, Social and Economic Factors, Tanzania
Abstract:
Objective: Patient adherence to ART is of paramount importance in achieving clinical outcome among PLHIV. This study was conducted to explore factors influencing adherence to ART among PLHIV in Tanzania and to make recommendations to improve the strategies being applied to facilitate adherence to ART in Tanzania. Method: This thesis is the literature review of the published and unpublished data sources. The Roura‟s socio ecological framework was adapted and used to analyze the literature. Results: Factors that hinder adherence among PLHIV include stigma, discrimination, lack of social support, faith healing, health provider‟s negative attitude, depression, alcohol misuse, ART side effects, a poor patient provider relationship, a long waiting time and innappropriate opening time, poor communication, poor access to health care and a weak health system. Key interventional strategies, that are currently used to improve adherence include social support networks, community awareness, use of mobile phones, health education and adherence counselling. Conclusion: Factors that affect ART adherence are multifaceted and requires a holistic approach in addressing them in order to improve treatment adherence. A weak health system has to be addressed to enable systems that match with provisions of ART medication without interruption. This requires an increase of government role and external donor commitment in the ART programs, for the long term funding. Stigma and discrimination are to be addressed to improve adherence among PLHIV. The CHWs, involvement of religious leaders, knowledge and skill building of HCP, community awareness are crucial in facilitating adherence. Recommendation: Programs addressing adherence should utilize, and strengthen the existing structures and activities, such as use of religious leaders, community health workers, mobile phones, stigma reduction campaigns by increasing awareness among the community and the HCP.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Health Unit
Country:
Tanzania
Region:
Eastern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2015 Samu
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
hPIj9Rx05t_20161103114717489.pdf