Family and Social Support Among Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in West Wollega Zone Public Hospitals, Western Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Poor family and social support is a problem for patients taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), but it protects them against the negative consequences of stress, reducing morbidity and mortality among peoples living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess family and social support and the associated factors among patients on antiretroviral therapy in West Wollega Public Hospitals.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 329 respondents attending antiretroviral therapy (ARV) clinics in West Wollega Public Hospitals from September 1-30, 2020. Data were collected by simple random sampling methods using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. The strength and presence of statistical association were assessed using adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

About 266 (66.4%) of the respondents had low family and social support. Being female sex [AOR (95% CI)=0.066 (0.013-0.338)], failing to discuss with family or society [AOR (95% CI)=0.275 (0.100-0.753)], lack of information on support [AOR (95% CI)=0.314 (0.104-0.951)], and non-disclosure of HIV status to family [AOR (95% CI)=0.227 (0.084-0.916)] were associated with family and social support.

CONCLUSION

In this study, family and social support to people living with HIV/AIDS is low. Being female sex, feelings of negative treatment, lack of discussion on support, lack of information about support, and failure to disclose HIV status were associated with low family and social support. Information, education, and communication should be intensified to increase the awareness of the community, family, and people living with HIV related to support for people living with HIV.