Abstract
The high rate of sexual transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has made health care and Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART)adherence an essential aspect of the prevention strategies. Since the introduction of ART, HIV has become a manageable infection with the reduced transmission. This paper explores the ART adherence and health-seeking behaviour of the infected. In mixed-method research, 105 HIV-positive consenting adults were recruited through snowball sampling from various NGOs of B category districts of the National capital territory of Delhi. A pretested semi-structured interview schedule developed in Hindi was administered. In addition, the study included key-informant interviews and focused group discussions. Out of 105respondents, 60 (57%) were on ART. Only 47 visit government, 38 prefer private, and 20 visit NGO health facilities. A total of 38/60 men and 22/40 women, and all five TG knew about the complications of non-adherence. 38/60 men and 31/40 women 4/5 TG knew of ART services. However, only 11/37 men and 12/20 women on ART knew when to initiate ART. ART non-adherence was reported in 15%women and 7.8% of men. Qualitative data revealed sociocultural factors like patriarchy, stigma, poverty and illiteracy affected adherence. For a segment with rigorous intervention for health education and behaviour change, the health-seeking behaviouris flawed. Socioeconomic conditions and association with NGOs affected the ART adherence behaviour.
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