Factors Affecting Adherence to Antiretroviral Drugs among Adolescents [10-18] At Ahero County Hospital, Kisumu County, Kenya.

Abstract

Appropriate use of ARVs has improved the lives of many HIV positive individuals. The effectiveness of HIV treatment depends on sustenance of high level of adherence to ARVs use. However, ARV regiments are often complicated and can be affected by varying dosing schedules, failing to have proper dietary requirements and patients developing adverse effects. The study seeks to determine the patients’ demographic, social and economic factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV/AIDS adolescents at Ahero subcount Hospital in Kisumu County. Using a cross sectional quantitative study. The study population will comprise of HIV positive adolescents receiving ART in Ahero sub County Hospital and aged between 10-18 years living with HIV/AIDS and who have been enrolled into care for more than one year. Qualitative methods of data collection will be used including key informants, focused group discussions and direct observation. The sample population will be 20 ALWHIV. Data will be analyzed and presented in charts tables and graphs and will be used to continuously evaluate the level of maturity of young HIV-positive patients and discuss at the appropriate moment, where and how to disclose their HIV status to them.