Publication:

Antiretroviral treatment adherence and associated factors among people living with HIV in developing country, Myanmar

Background The provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been started in Myanmar, since 2005 by both public and private sectors. Adherence is one of the major critical issues in the clinical management of HIV-infected patients receiving ART. This study aims to determine the level of adherence to ART and possible associated factors in public ART centers, Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Methods MT his cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between May to July 2015. A total of 425 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were interviewed with pretested structured questionnaires. The multi-method tools were used to access the level of ART adherence. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) model and multiple logistic regression models were administered to determine the possible associated factors to ART adherence.

Results Only 76.24% (95% CI=72.17-80.29) of the respondents had optimal ART adherence (≥95%). The respondents of aged more than 40 years were unlikely to adhere ART when compared with younger age (AOR=0.01, 95% CI=0.003-0.05). Those patients who had not satisfied with ART provider services (AOR=0.04, 95% CI=0.02-0.12) were also significantly less likely adhering to ART. However, non-smokers and being taking regular exercise were found to be more likely to adhere to ART.

Conclusion About a quarter of the PLHIV had suboptimal ART adherence. The older age group and poor patient-provider relationship were found to be the barrier to ART adherence.