Attitudes and practices of caregivers on adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs among HIV-Infected children attending comprehensive care clinic in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Ensuring high level of adherence to anti-retroviral medication (ARV) is a priority in treating people living with HIV and AIDS. Adherence in children cannot be fully studied if we do not recognize the involvement of primary caregivers who largely determine how well and often the ARV medication is taken.

Objective: To determine attitude and practices of the primary caregivers on adherence of ARV in HIV+ve children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving primary caregivers of HIV +ve children. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 126 primary caregivers. The data was complemented with key informant in-depth interviews with the health workers at the Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) and two focus group discussions (FGD) of the primary caregivers.

Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital comprehensive care centre for HIV/AIDS.

Results: Adherence of 97.2 % to antiretroviral drugs was reported. The primary caregivers reported various methods they used to remind them when to give the medication e.g. clock alarms. 99.2% of the caregivers were aware of the ARV side effects. Out of the 126 caregivers interviewed, 96% of them recommended that caregivers of HIV+ve children should know their HIV Status.

Conclusion: This study has revealed that practices and attitude of the caregivers of HIV +ve primary caregivers of HIV+ve children influence the ARV adherence levels. Primary care givers are susceptible to or do suffer stress and HIV/AIDs Comprehensive Care Centres should consider establishment of pychosocial support groups. More studies and follow up especially in the rural settings for comparison with urban areas are recommended.