Behavioral Characteristics of Adult Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Uganda

• Main Authors: Constance Shumba, Ruth Atukunda, Richard Imakit, Peter Memiah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makhdoomi Printers 2012-01-01
• Series: Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health
• Subjects: PLHIV; sexual behaviors; alcohol use; disclosure
• Online Access: http://www.gjmedph.org/uploads/O5-Vo1No1.pdf

Background: Behavioral factors have an impact on patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Specific information on behavioral factors is however minimal at health facilities in resource settings. Such information is vital in helping health facilities to provide targeted interventions. Method: Adherence surveys (n=783) were carried out to assess self-reported condom use, alcohol intake in the past month and disclosure in patients 19 years and above on HAART in 19 HIV clinics. Health workers were trained on how to administer the survey questions. The questions aimed at determining risky behaviors and disclosure of HIV illness. Results: More than half of the patients (59%) do not use condoms in the 19 HIV clinics. 30% reported using condoms always. Most of the patients (79%) on HAART had not taken alcohol in the past one month suggesting that most patients on HAART did not use alcohol. The majority of the patients (99%) disclosed their status with implications for better adherence and increased psychosocial support. Conclusion: It may be important to relate condom use, alcohol intake and disclosure to viral suppression and also advocate for comprehensive positive prevention at the HIV clinics. There is need to carry out an in-depth analysis of alcohol intake among HAART patients. Steps should be taken to address these behavioral issues in support groups and community programs