Factors Associated With Adherence To Anti-Retroviral Treatment (Art) Among Adolescent Clients At Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Khomas Region

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek, Khomas Region, in Namibia. It focused on adolescent clients receiving ART who attended their monthly teen club meetings during the time of the data collection. The main purpose of the study was to determine levels of adherence amongst adolescents as well as the factors associated with adherence amongst adolescents receiving ART at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. The data were collected from 58 study respondents, using structured questionnaires. The research findings revealed that most adolescents (70.7%) were school-going, and at Secondary School level. Most adolescents receiving ART at Katutura Intermediate hospital have been on treatment for 10-15 years with 60.3% living with their biological parents. The respondents’ most used mode of transport to the clinic is a taxi (78.9%) and there are those that walk to the clinic (17.5%). It is worth noting that there were no homeless/street children adolescents recorded receiving ART at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in this study. At least (63.8%) adhered to their dose in the past seven (7) days, while (36.2%) of the study respondents reported missing ART medication in the past (7) days. The most common reasons for missing HIV medications among adolescent clients in the past six (6) months were forgetfulness (34.1%), lack of transportation to ART clinic (23.3%), shortage or/no food (17.1%), and peers laughing at them (stigma) (9.1%). This study recommends strengthening on-going counselling and psychosocial support of adolescents, developing a written plan to address adolescent needs, including medical, psychosocial, and financial aspects of antiretroviral treatment. The study recommends that the Ministry of health strengthens provider communication between paediatric/adolescent clinics by identifying adult care providers who have expertise in providing care to adolescents and young adults. It is further recommended that future research should explore addressing patient or family barriers caused by lack of information, stigma or disclosure concerns.