Antiretroviral therapy drug adherence in Rwanda: perspectives from patients and healthcare workers using a mixed-methods approach

Vyankandondera, J., Mitchell, K. , Asiimwe-Kateera, B., Boer, K., Mutwa, P., Balinda, J.-P., van Straten, M., Reiss, P. and van de Wijgert, J. (2013) Antiretroviral therapy drug adherence in Rwanda: perspectives from patients and healthcare workers using a mixed-methods approach. AIDS Care, 25(12), pp. 1504-1512. (doi: 10.1080/09540121.2013.779626) (PMID:23517180)

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Abstract

Rwanda has achieved high enrollment into antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs but data on adherence after enrollment are not routinely collected. We used a mixed-methods approach (standardized questionnaires, pill counts, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews) to determine levels of and barriers to ART adherence from the perspective of both patients and healthcare workers (HCW). Data were available from 213 patients throughout the first year on ART; 58 of them and 23 HCW participated in a qualitative sub-study. Self-reported adherence was high (96% of patients reporting more than 95% adherence), but adherence by pill count was significantly lower, especially in the first 3 months. In the standardized interviews, patients mostly reported that they “simply forgot” or “were away from home” as reasons for nonadherence. The qualitative research identified three interrelated constructs that appeared to negatively influence adherence: stigma, difficulty coming to terms with illness, and concealment of illness. Both standardized questionnaires and the qualitative research identified poverty, disruption to daily routines, factors related to regimen complexity and side effects, and service-related factors as barriers to adherence. We conclude that regular triangulation of different sources of adherence data is desirable to arrive at more realistic estimates. We propose that program monitoring and evaluation cycles incorporate more in-depth research to better understand concerns underlying reasons for nonadherence reported in routine monitoring.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mitchell, Professor Kirstin
Authors: Vyankandondera, J., Mitchell, K., Asiimwe-Kateera, B., Boer, K., Mutwa, P., Balinda, J.-P., van Straten, M., Reiss, P., and van de Wijgert, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:AIDS Care
Publisher:Routledge
ISSN:0954-0121
ISSN (Online):1360-0451

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