Abstract
BackgroundSouth Africa has experienced a substantial increase in access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in recent years. Effective strategies to manage access to treatment need to be incorporated into and implemented in ART programmes. Antiretroviral treatment adherence clubs are a new strategy that is being implemented in various parts of South Africa.AimThe aim of the study was to investigate treatment adherence and patient satisfaction of stable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients on ART in ART adherence clubs and clinics.SettingThe study was conducted in the Eden district of the Western Cape, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to examine the relationships between patient satisfaction and treatment adherence in ART adherence clubs and clinics in the Eden district, Western Cape province, South Africa. Validated questionnaires were used to measure patient satisfaction and self-reported treatment adherence.ResultsThe study included 320 participants (98 club and 222 clinic) from 13 primary health care clinics. The analyses showed that higher levels of satisfaction could be predicted with club participants compared to clinic participants (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference between clinic and club participants with regards to treatment adherence. However, being adherent was more likely in participants who were satisfied (odds ratio = 3.18, 95% confidence interval [1.14–7.11], p < 0.01).ConclusionAntiretroviral treatment adherence clubs provide a service that patients are more satisfied with although they are not more adherent to treatment. This strategy may be effective for the delivery of long-term care for patients on ART.
Highlights
IntroductionAn estimated 36.7 million people in the world live with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 20 million accessing treatment globally.[1] From 2011 to 2012, 2.3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were added to HIV and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) programmes and South Africa experienced a 75% increase in access to antiretroviral treatment (ART).[2] Effective strategies need to be incorporated into and implemented in ART programmes to help alleviate the pressure on health care services.[3]
Introduction and backgroundAn estimated 36.7 million people in the world live with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 20 million accessing treatment globally.[1]
The analyses showed that higher levels of satisfaction could be predicted with club participants compared to clinic participants (p = 0.05)
Summary
An estimated 36.7 million people in the world live with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 20 million accessing treatment globally.[1] From 2011 to 2012, 2.3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were added to HIV and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) programmes and South Africa experienced a 75% increase in access to antiretroviral treatment (ART).[2] Effective strategies need to be incorporated into and implemented in ART programmes to help alleviate the pressure on health care services.[3]. South Africa has the largest population of people living with HIV in the world, with estimated numbers standing at 7 million people.[4] Antiretroviral treatment guidelines state that all HIV-positive patients, irrespective of their cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count, are eligible for ART.[5] Changes in treatment guidelines have led to a marked increase in new patients receiving ART, with numbers in excess of 300 000 annually.[6].
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