FACTORS INFLUENCING ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY BY PATIENTS IN COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC AT KISUMU COUNTY REFFERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Adherence; refers to the whole process from choosing, starting, managing to maintaining a given therapeutic medication regimen to control Human immunodeficiency viral replication and improve function of the immune system. Adherence to Antiretroviral therapy can be influenced by various factors. This study aims to investigate factors that influence adherence to Antiretroviral therapy in Kisumu county referral hospital. preliminary findings suggest that Accessibility to ART, socioeconomic factors, stigmatization and health care attitude towards patients hinder adherence to Antiretroviral therapy. A cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used & structured questionnaire with open and closed type questions. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain relative proportion of male and female adult respondents in the sample population. Fifty-five (55) seropositive clients were chosen from a total of two hundred (200) patients who have been active on ART therapy for the past six months (Jan-June 2024). A semi-structured interview schedules was used to obtain demographic information and patient’s views on various dimension or Anti-retroviral therapy services at the facility. Key informant interviews for the ward Nurse in charge was conducted. Data analysis: quantitative Data was then analyzed as per the research objectives using tables, charts and graphs.