Factors that influence treatment adherence for people living with HIV and accessing antiretroviral theraphy in rural communities in Mpumalanga

• Main Author: Sithole, Bongani Mildred
• Other Authors: Du Plessis, G. E.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy; Adherence; Compliance; Adherence counselling; Loss to follow up; 362.19697920096827; AIDS (Disease) > Patients > Services for > South Africa > Malelane > Case studies; Shongwe Hospital; HIV-positive persons > South Africa > Malelane > Attitudes > Case studies; AIDS (Disease) > South Africa > Malelane > Psychological aspects > Case studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/11897

M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS) === This study sought to investigate factors that influence adherence to treatment amongst rural people living with HIV and accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Shongwe hospital in Mpumalanga. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. From patients’ case files, a sample of twenty-eight respondents was recruited for the completion of questionnaires. A focus group discussion with nine participants was held, followed by qualitative interviews with three key informants. Findings indicated that a complex web of factors unique to each patient’s social context plays a role in determining whether or not patients adhere to their regimens. Obstacles to adherence are poor social support, problems relating to disclosure, unemployment and economic hardship, traditional and religious beliefs, the quality and nature of adherence counselling and treatment side effects. === Sociology