Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents in Oshikoto Region, Namibia.

BACKGROUND

In Namibia, the Omuthiya Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Clinic has indicated that nine older adolescents (15-19 years) out of 125 adolescents active on ART have defaulted and become lost to care. This represents an 89% retention rate among older adolescents compared to a 97% retention rate for the adult population in the same facility. There is a lack of information on the extent of ART adherence among older adolescents, particularly in terms of viral suppression rates. This study aims to measure the level of adherence to ART treatment among adolescents enrolled at the Omuthiya ART Clinic in the Oshikoto Region, Namibia.

METHODS

From November to December 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) at the Omuthiya ART Clinic. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study found that 24% of adolescent patients on ART treated at the Omuthiya ART Clinic are non-adherent to treatment. A significant association found was between education level and adherence (p = 0.008), alcohol use and adherence (p = 0.022) and memory aids use and adherence (p  0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents' adherence to ART at the Omuthiya ART Clinic is influenced by educational level, alcohol use, and memory aid use. Further research is needed to explore other potential factors influencing adherence.Contribution: These findings may be used to develop ongoing strategies and targeted interventions that prioritise a patient-centred care approach, recognising the autonomy of adolescents. In addition, they highlight the importance of a supportive family environment in managing HIV and improving ART adherence.