Health Systems & Policy

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Browsing Health Systems & Policy by Author "Lakudzala, Suzgika"

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    Factors affecting antiretroviral therapy (art) adherence in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at Umodzi family clinic, Blantyre
    (2020-03-01) Lakudzala, Suzgika
    Adherence to treatment and retention in care is essential in the management of HIV among people living with HIV. In 2015, Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) population in Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 25% of new HIV infections, which is 6 times their male peers. AGYW are characterized by high risk sexual behavior and lack of engagement with health care providers that can affect adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). This study aimed at determining the level of and factors associated with ART adherence among AGYW at Umodzi Family Clinic in Blantyre. This was a cross sectional quantitative study which used structured questionnaires for data collection. The study recruited 189 HIV positive AGYW who had been on ART for 6 months and above at Umodzi Clinic in Blantyre Malawi. Adherence was measured using 4 cut-off points. 1. Pill count ≥95% and Viral load 1000 3.Pill count > 80%, 4. Pill count ≥95%. Data analysis was done using Stata. Chi-square tests were performed to check association. Results: A total of 63.1% of participants were AGYW aged 15-19 while 36.9% were young women aged 20-24. The study found a high proportion (91.0%) of ART adherence at cut-off point of >80 % pill count but a moderate (63.15%) ART adherence at cut-off point of >95% pill count which is recommended. ART adherence was significantly associated with reduced waiting time to see a doctor(X2 4.51; P80% pill count. No factors were found to be significantly associated with ART adherence at cut-off point of >95% pill count. Reduced waiting time and perceived health workers attitude were found to be associated with ART adherence. Hence improving on these factors could hold keys in improving AGYW ART adherence