MA, School of Human and Community Development, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand / HIV/AIDS remains a global pandemic that is affecting millions of people. The advent of
antiretroviral medication in the late 1980s has led to major advances in clinical treatment
that has turned the deadly disease into a chronic condition for those who are infected.
However, adherence to antiretroviral medication remains problematic. Whilst extensive
international research has been done to identify various variables that contribute to rates
of non-adherence, there is not much research being done in South Africa that provides a
reliable prediction of non-adherence or generates a theoretical understanding of the issue.
The main aim of this study was to ascertain the barriers and facilitators that contribute to
the level of adherence to antiretroviral treatment. This was done from a biopsychosocial
perspective that takes into account not only the biomedical factors that may have an
impact on antiretroviral treatment levels but also includes the various psychological and
socio-political factors that contribute to non-adherence. The qualitative research
methodology was used. Data was collected from 14 participants using semi-structured
interviews. The participants included 3 medical practitioners, 1 nutritionist, 2 counsellors,
2 treatment activist, 2 caregivers to PLWHA and 4 people on treatment. Interviews were
audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was used to generate themes.
Themes were categorised under individual, interpersonal level and systemic level barriers
and facilitators to ARV treatment which included biomedical, psychological as well as
social-political factors that facilitate non-adherence. The main findings in this study
suggest that there is a complex web of interaction between the various biomedical,
psychological and socio-political factors that impact on adherence levels. Additionally,
the response by PLWHA to their illness and subsequently to ARV treatment is more
complex than a mere conforming to a set of medical standards and instructions. As such
intervention that looks to increase adherence levels cannot be a one-dimensional or onesided
endeavour and requires a multifaceted approach.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/8570 |
| Date | 27 August 2010 |
| Creators | Patel, Rabia |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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