The introduction of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in 1996 transformed the treatment of HIV and AIDS, improving the quality and greatly prolonging the lives of many infected people. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that is believed to cause AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the collection of illnesses or symptoms that ultimately results in death. Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs or Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is the treatment that has been applied to combat the HI virus in a bid to slow down the progression of AIDS and ultimately prolong the life of the infected individual. The study aimed to explore and describe the factors contributing to adherence and non-adherence to ARVs in individuals on treatment. A sample of 81 individuals who have been on ARV and HAART treatment for six months or more was used. The methodology used was exploratory-descriptive and the data obtained was quantitative in nature. A biographical questionnaire and questionnaire with questions aimed at ascertaining the possible factors that contribute to individuals either adhering to or defaulting on their treatment, such as side effects and cost of treatment, was administered. The data obtained was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and frequency counts. The results of the study showed that the sample had a fairly high level of adherence. The factors that could undermine adherence were identified as lack of support, as familial and health provider support acts as a motivator to adhere; substance abuse as it can lead to forgetting to take treatment; unemployment and poverty, as these can lead to an inability to return for follow up clinic visits or failure to have food to take with the pills; and the type of treatment regimen whereby the more complex the treatment is the more likely it is that adherence will be difficult to maintain. Suggestions were made as to future research involving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Finally the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nmmu/vital:9886 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Masokoane, Kgomotso Quentinne |
| Publisher | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Faculty of Health Sciences |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Masters, MA |
| Format | 107 pages, pdf |
| Rights | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
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