Antiretroviral drug adherence : what happens when patients are hospitalized to medical wards and level one wards in Dr. George Mukhari hospital, Pretoria, and they are on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy [HAART]
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the study \nThe main purpose of the study was to investigate the antiretroviral drug adherence of patients on \ngovernment HAART regimen while being hospitalized at Dr. George Mukhari hospital in medical \nwards and level one ward. Ensuring high levels of adherence to antiretroviral treatment is a priority in \nmanaging patients with AIDS. \nResearch Design \nQualitative and quantitative data was collected prospectively. Data was collected through interviewing \npatients and registered nurses using structured questionnaires. Doctors’ clinical notes from the \nparticipant’s (patients) files were audited to understand the real gaps in failing to support the patients \nwith adherence to their treatment. \nFindings \nIn investigating the antiretroviral treatment drug adherence of hospitalized patients, two indicators \nwere used: \n The percentage of patient’s drug adherence level. \n The level of support that is given by registered nurses and doctors to support the patients in \nmaintaining their adherence to treatment while admitted. \nThe research findings from the 25 participants revealed that 28% of patients had >95% adherence level \nand 72% of patients had <95% adherence level. The level of support from the doctors and registered \nnurses was poor, there was no commitment. These findings suggest that further studies are needed to \nimprove the adherence level of patients on antiretroviral treatment. \nConclusions \nAdherence to antiretroviral treatment is a powerful predictor of survival for individual living with HIV \nand AIDS. Factors that contributed to non-adherence should be attended to without delay.
Author: Thandi Hazel Nkosi
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2160425581