Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive adolescents attending the Korle Bu teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: As a result of increased access to antiretroviral therapy, children with perinatal infections are surviving into adolescence. However, challenges during adolescence may result in poor adherence to treatment. Studies documenting poor adherence in adolescents have revealed that factors such as older adolescents, lack of HIV disclosure, and forgetfulness are some leading causes of non-adherence. Adherence is a key determinant in minimising the emergence of HIV drug resistance.

Aim: To determine the adherence rate to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents attending a tertiary hospital and the factors associated with adherence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done amongst adolescents (10-19 years) with HIV infection at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. The data was collected by face-to-face structured interviews and a medical record review. The tool used to determine adherence was the 3-day self-recall tool. The percentage of medication doses taken (≥95%) was used to define adherence, which translated as not missing any dose in the 3 days prior to the study interview. The predictors of adherence were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results: There were 210 adolescents enrolled, mostly younger adolescents (10-14years); 71.8%, and a slightly high male population of 52.4%. The adherence rate was 50.0%. Taking medication at the same time daily and having other people taking antiretroviral therapy in the same house were predictors of adherence.

Conclusion: There was a low adherence rate of 50.0% among the adolescents. Interventions toward improving adherence among adolescents in this setting are needed. Taking antiretroviral therapy at the same time daily and having others in the home who take antiretroviral therapy can help to improve their adherence.