FACTORS INFLUENCING ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AMONG HIV INFECTED CHILDREN ATTENDING THE DAY CARE HOSPITAL AT THE BAMENDA REGIONAL HOSPITAL, NORTH WEST CAMEROON

Moses Samje*, Margaret Teih Maih, Hubert Lukong Shalanyuy and Kenneth Nsom Nyuonguo

ABSTRACT

Paediatric adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important in achieving efficiency of treatment and preventing failure to therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of adherence to ART and identify factors influencing adherence to paediatric ART at the Day Hospital of the Bamenda Regional Hospital. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 213 children (≤ 14 years old) who were on antiretroviral therapy for at least six months. Adherence was assessed retrospectively, through self-administered questionnaires to the patients or their caregivers. An adherence rate of ≥ 95% was considered accepted as optimal adherence. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc Chicago USA) statistical packages. Overall, the adherence rate for the 213 participants was 26.8%. Significantly low levels of adherence were observed among caregivers who either had no formal education, were grandparents and had formal employment (P<0.05). The major patients‟ factors associated to non-adherence was refusal to take medicine while forgetfulness by caregivers accounted for the majority caregivers‟ factor. The highest number of caregivers who forgot to administer medicine were those with primary education, grandparents and the self-employed. Poor attitude of health care provider and long waiting time at the clinic were the major reasons for non-adherence. Paediatric adherence to ARV at this Day Care Hospital is low. The patient, caregiver, health-care-provider, and the health facility all contribute to this frightening percentage of non-adherence.

Keywords: adherence, antiretroviral therapy, paediatrics, factors, HIV, Cameroon.