Factors contributing to non adherence among pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment at Amathole District, Eastern cape.
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Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
During the beginning of the HIV epidemic in 1981 25 million people have died. The
introduction of ART therefore has promising developments to reduce mortality rates and
new infections. Nevertheless there is still a challenge with adherence to ART worldwide
and in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors contributing
to non-adherence to ART among HIV positive pregnant women.
The study involved a non- probability sample of 70 HIV pregnant women on ART
attending antenatal care clinics at the tertiary hospital and two community health
centres,in Buffalo City, Amathole District, Eastern Cape. A coded questionnaire was
used as an instrument for data collection. Ethical procedure was followed and a consent
form was signed by each participant. Data was collected for a period of two months
The demographic data reveals that the majority of the participants were knowledgeable
about ART and employed. That is evident in the adherence to ART in all age groups
except age 40 and above. The majority of HIV positive pregnant women on ART who
participated in the study were single 50% (n=35) which suggests that they may lack
emotional support from partners and may have difficulty in disclosing their status.
Level of adherence revealed that 27% (n=19) of participants missed ART because of
forgetfulness, and 16% (n=12) and others were feeling healthy due to frequent follow
ups and complying with the ART. Poor follow up, too sick, side effects pill burden, fear
of stigma, lack of finances and taking alcohol hinders the proper management of HIV
positive pregnant women and is risky to the unborn baby.
HIV positive pregnant women on ART exhibited a good knowledge and use of ART.
This is encouraging and should be sustained by continuous community awareness
campaigns to empower the communities about HIV/AIDS, PMTCT programme and ART
and extensive training of health care providers.
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Keywords
Adherence, Antiretroviral, HIV/AIDS, Pregnant women, Prevention of Mother to Child infection, Non adherence