Exploring perspectives of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV regarding antiretroviral therapy adherence at Mitundu Community Hospital, Malawi
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Date
2019-06-01
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Abstract
Despite having the National HIV and AIDS Strategy (2015 - 2020) with the 90-90-90 2020 target, almost 50% of ALWH do not adhere to their treatment in Malawi. It is evident that the ALWH’s perception towards treatment influences their adherence. Therefore, there was need to explore the perspectives of the ALWH regarding their treatment adherence. This was an exploratory qualitative study which was conducted at Mitundu Community Hospital, Lilongwe District in Malawi. 26 ALWH aged between 12 and 18 years were purposively sampled. Data were collected over a period of two months using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using Thematic Method of Analysis. The study observed that the ALWH need support from caregivers, peers, entire community and health care workers in order to ensure optimal treatment adherence. The study revealed that ALWH tend to miss ARV doses in the course of fulfilling their household chores and errands. Unbearable ARV side effects, forgetfulness and maintaining secrecy, were perceived as the factors which hinder the ALWH from adhering to treatment. In order to ensure that missing of doses is minimised, the ALWH increase the accessibility and visibility of the ARVs, link the mealtimes to drug administration schedules, set alarms and take the ARVs together with other family members. It is, therefore, recommended that ALWH should take a leading role in ensuring their treatment adherence by abiding to the prescriptions of the ARVs. The caregivers need to ensure that household chores are not interfering with treatment schedules for the ALWH.