Abstract
<i>Background</i>: Continuing use of ART treatments is reported to improve health and health outcomes of people living with HIV. However, adherence to ART prescriptions is generally a challenge and many people default from HIV care and treatment. This study assessed reasons for ART treatment default among adults living with HIV in Tunduru district Tanzania. <i>Methods</i>: We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study between January and February 2018. Ten key informants who had defaulted from HIV care and treatment for five or more months were engaged in in-depth interviews on reasons behind defaulting. Thematic analysis using NVivo was conducted to identify emerging themes. <i>Results</i>: Reasons for defaulting from ART treatments which emerged include being tired of using the ART medications for a long time, not experiencing HIV related symptoms, fear of stigma and shame of being known to use ART, inadequate food, fear of side effects and use of local herbs as alternative. Other reasons include long distance to the health facilities and long waiting time for the services at the facility. <i>Conclusion</i>: Reasons for defaulting from HIV treatment and care among adults are multifaceted in nature requiring multifaceted efforts to address them if the gains intended from the use of ART are to be achieved and sustained.
Highlights
Several strategies to control the HIV pandemic have been proposed by the World Health Organization and adopted by member countries including Tanzania
By the end of 2017; a total of 29,544 people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the district was registered in care and treatment clinics and 20.7% were antiretroviral therapy (ART) defaulters (Tunduru District Health Report, 2017)
Ethical clearance to conduct the study was obtained from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Ethical Review Board while permission to access the key informants was obtained from Ruvuma Region and Tunduru District administrative authorities
Summary
It is proposed that 95% of people living with HIV should know their HIV status, and 95% of those diagnosed should receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 95% of those on treatment should attain viral suppression by the year 2030 [1]. Attainment of this goal assumes that people diagnosed with HIV infection will adhere to the advice and medications prescribed by health care providers including going for scheduled clinic appointments. This study assessed reasons for ART treatment default among adults living with HIV in Tunduru district Tanzania.
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