Related Factors of Antiretroviral Adherence in HIV/AIDS Patients at one of the Community Health Centers in Malang City

Abstract

Introduction: HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus has become a serious global problem due to increased yearly infections. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) must take antiretrovirals (ARV) to improve their quality of life, so adherence is the main focus of therapy. Objective: This study aims to determine the factors that influence of adherence to ARV treatment in PLWHA at one of the Community Health Centers in Malang City. Methods: This study used an analytic descriptive observational method with a cross-sectional research design. The research sample was PLWHA who fit the inclusion criteria using accidental sampling technique with a minimum sample calculation using the Slovin formula. Data were collected using the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS) questionnaire during the February-March 2021 period at one of the health centers in Malang City. Data were analyzed using multivariate regression to determine factors that influence ARV treatment adherence in PLWHA. Results: This study involved 85 PLHIV patients. A total of 59 people (69.4%) were included in the compliant category on antiretroviral treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that men were 4 times more likely to be disobedient (p=0.022; OR = 4.922; 95% Cl = 1.261 – 19.208), while respondents with school education were less likely to be disobedient p=0.007 ; OR = 0.118; 95% Cl = 0.025 – 0.558). As for age, marital status, and employment status did not have a significant effect on adherence to ARV treatment. Conclusion: Gender is the most dominant factor in influencing adherence where male patients are 4 times more likely to be non-adherent compared to female patients. Keywords: Adherence, AIDS, Antiretroviral, ARV, HIV