Factors associated with non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV infected adolescents at Guji zone Health Facilities, South Ethiopia
Abstract Background: Suboptimal adherence results in inadequate drug exposure and increases the likelihood of viral replication and resistance, limit future therapeutic options. A high level of adherence is very crucial to maximize the usefulness of antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to examine factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents in Guji Zone, South Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based case-control study design was employed on adolescent clients on antiretroviral therapy in the ART clinic of Guji zone health facilities from 26 February to 20 April 2018. Cases and controls were recruited by a consecutive sampling method. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done using SPSS version 20 at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and a precision of 5%.Results: A total of 297(101 cases and 196 controls) adolescents on ART participated in this study. Being rural residents AOR 1.9(1.1-3.6), Living with unmarried/widowed and separated caregivers AOR 2.1(1.2-3.8), living with unemployed caregivers AOR 4.2(2.0-8.9), not disclosing HIV Status AOR 5(2.8-9.4), having symptom of depression for adolescents AOR 2.7(1.5-4.9), not using reminding methods AOR 2.4(1.2-4.8) and Uses of other drugs besides ART AOR 2.6(1.5-5.0) were found to be independent factors associated with non-adherence to ART among adolescents.Conclusion: -Residence area, caregiver marital status, sources of income for the family, disclosure status, depression status, uses of reminding methods, and uses of other drugs besides ART were factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents. Support from peers and family can promote adolescent's adherence, as it buffers the stress associated with the illness, encourages optimism, reduces depression, and improves healthful behaviors. The provision of health education on the importance of treatments and needs for adherence should be encouraged. Uses of reminding methods, continuous monitoring of clients on ART regarding the uses of medications other than antiretroviral therapy is important.