INVESTIGATING FACTORS INFLUENCING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY ADHERENCE TO ART IN HIV-INFECTED CHILDREN

Abstract

This article examines the factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy in ARVT among HIV-infected children. HIV infection is a chronic infectious disease with a progressive course, characterized by a specific lesion of the immune system with the development of immunodeficiency, which is manifested by secondary diseases. In this connection, people living with HIV (PLHIV) need medical care for the rest of their lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the only possible way to extend the life of people living with HIV (PLHIV), improve its quality and reduce the transmission of the virus to others. ART should be aimed at suppressing HIV replication with minimal risk of early and late side effects and drug resistance, as well as minimal disruption to normal life. Suppression of HIV replication helps to restore the function of the immune system, ensure the normal physical and mental development of PLHIV, minimize the risk of opportunistic infections and cancer, and reduce AIDS and mortality rates.