| dc.description.abstract | The number of youths living with HIV is rising globally. In Nyeri County, the prevalence of
HIV is reported to be 5.1% and viral load suppression is 77.1%. Adherence continues to pose
a serious challenge among the youth receiving antiretroviral therapy; barriers include dosing
schedules, pill burden stigma, denial, lack of social support and drug adverse side effect. The
study aimed at assessing the socio cultural and regimen related factors influencing adherence
to antiretroviral therapy among youth (15-24 Years) in selected health facilities in Nyeri
County. A descriptive cross sectional research design was adopted, 227 young people (15-24
years) living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy for more than 6 months were selected from
Karatina district hospital, Nyeri referral hospital, and Tumutumu PCEA. Study sites were
purposive sampled and the participants were sampled using probability proportionate to size.
Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires while qualitative data was
collected from two focused group discussion (FGD). Qualitative data was analysed using
both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, qualitative data was analyzed using
thematic analysis approach. From the results, 115 were females while males were 112.
Majority (159) were between the ages of 18-24 years, 215 were single with 155 having
attained secondary school education. Most (221) had started medication before 15 years of
age. Many (153) were virally suppressed, 135 were supported by the family and community,
96 had not experienced stigma and 151 had not denied their HIV infection status.
Community, friends and family support, stigma, denial were significantly associated
adherence to ART (<0.05). Regimen related results depicted that (61.8%) took 2 pills per
day, 22.4 % more than 2 pills while 15.8 % took only one pill. Further, 29.1 % felt the drug
burden while 18.5% reported side effects from the treatment. The number of pills per day was
shown to be significantly associated with adherence (p=0.04). The study recommends
concerted effort between the patients, family, community, health care providers and
policymakers in Nyeri County to reduce stigma and denial. School management should create
an enabling environment to help students take drugs regularly and privately. The Ministry of
Education to develop strategies and guidelines as part of school-based support systems for
HIV infected youth. Acceptance of status and disclosure necessitates good preparation
through counselling and support to navigate ongoing challenges due to the lifelong treatment
of the HIV. The county needs to strengthen Operation Triple Zero strategy in order to realize
90-90-90 UNAID targets. | en_US |
