FACTORS INFLUENCING ADHERENCE TO ANTI RETROVIRAL THERAPY IN MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Introduction- Clinical outcomes of ART depend mainly on the adherence of patients to antiretroviral therapy as adherence is essential to reduce the multiplication of the virus and improve disease outcomes. Various socio demographic factors inuence the adherence to ART. Objective of the study was to nd out the enabling factors for medication adherence to ART. Methodology-A descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted for a period of one year at ARTcenter of DVVPPravara Medical Trust, Loni, Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. Seventy patients were interviewed to know the socio demographic prole and enabling factors in adherence to ART. Results-Majority of patients were above the age group of 40 years and the duration since diagnosis of HIV was over 5 years. Most of the patients belonged to either middle (48%) or upper (50%) socio-economic class. Large number of patients (83%) were educated up to 10th class and mainly belonged to rural area. Majority (78%) revealed that they contracted disease through hetero sexual contact. Seventy eight percent women had high level of adherence. Self-motivation, family support and longer duration of therapy helped HIV affected persons to adhere to ART. Keeping alarm for reminder to take medication and social support were not observed in the present study. Traveling away from home, transportation problems, forgetfulness, busy schedule, lockdown were disabling factors for ART adherence. Conclusion-HIV infection is seen equally in both genders in population above 40 years of age. Selfmotivation, family support and longer duration of therapy helped PLWHAto adhere to ART.