Factors Influencing the Implementation of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in HIV/AIDS Patients

Abstract

Provision of antiretroviral therapy dramatically decreases the mortality and morbidity of people with HIV/ AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy is reduced the rate of HIV transmission in the community, morbidity and mortality associated with HIV. Patients with HIV need antiretroviral therapy (ARV) to reduce the amount of virus in the body so that it does not enter the AIDS stage. However, individuals with AIDS need ARV to prevent opportunistic infections. ARVs need to be taken for life so it requires patient adherence in taking ARVs. ARV therapy adherence is an important key in preventing resistance and improving the quality of life for individuals with HIV/AIDS. It can improve the quality of life, restore and maintain the immune function by suppressing viral replication maximally and continuously. This study used a literature review method to search for articles related to antiretroviral therapy adherence in HIV/AIDS patients. Articles were obtained from databases such as ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Some studies revealed that antiretroviral therapy adherence in HIV/AIDS patients is influenced by some factors that are different for each patient. Based on the articles that have been reviewed, it can be concluded that factors influencing antiretroviral therapy adherence in HIV/AIDS patients are education, knowledge, age, gender, occupation, and income, length of time in the ARV program, side effects, psychological factors, and the availability of health facilities.