PREDICTORS OF ADHERENCE TO HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (HAART) AMONG HIV PATIENTS ATTENDING SELECTED COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTRES (CCC) IN KERICHO COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to determine Predictors of adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV patients attending selected comprehensive care centres in Kericho County. Specifically, this study sought to determine the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors that affect adherence HAART. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. It involved 280 HIV patients (≥ 15 years) on HAART in three selected Comprehensive Care Centres in Kericho County. Data was collected from the patients using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires while Key informant interviews were held with healthcare providers involved in HIV care at the selected facilities. Viral load was used as a measure of adherence. This was done by retrospective review of the patient files. The three facilities where this study was done were picked using purposive sampling. systematic sampling was then utilized to attain the calculated sample size for each facility. Data was entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics; frequencies and percentages was used to summarize the data set. Inferential statistics was done using logistic regression analysis (Univariate and multivariate). The p-value was set at 0.05.Summary statistic of independent variables was presented using frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Findings: 76% of the respondents had optimal adherence while 24% had sub-optimal adherence. More females than males were on treatment. There was an insignificant difference in adherence between males and females. Only age (category 20-24 years) p=0.023 and expenditure on food(p=0.04) had significant association with adherence to HAART. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: An understanding of these predictors will allow for targeted interventions to increase adherence to HAART and improve the health outcomes of PLHIV. Healthcare providers will be able to develop educational programmes and materials that target HIV patients at risk of sub-optimal adherence.