ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT AND RETENTION IN CARE OF ADULT PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

The introduction of antiretroviral therapy came as a relief to people living with HIV and AIDS as it improved their quality of life and chances of survival, and delayed the progression to AIDS. Maintaining high adherence levels to antiretroviral therapy remains a challenge for many, yet strict adherence to and retention in care are critical for the successful suppression of the human immunodeficiency virus. The objective of the study was to determine factors that influence adherence to and retention in care for adult patients who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy. A qualitative research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select 23 participants who met the specified criteria. Data were collected by means of in-depth individual unstructured interviews. A thematic analysis revealed six themes, namely staff-patient relationships, adherence support networks, patients' knowledge of antiretroviral therapy, motivation to live, counselling, and factors related to medication. The study concluded that adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in care were facilitated by good interpersonal relationships between hospital staff and patients and efficient service delivery at the institutions.