A Study to Assess the Factors Affecting Compliance of Art among HIV Patients at Selected Artcenters of Pune City

Background-Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), was first recognized on 1^st December 1981 and has since become one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history. In India the first AIDS case was reported in May 1986 in Madras, South India. There are 5.7 million people infected with HIV. By 2015 India has the world's fourth largest population suffering from AIDS. ART increases the length, quality of life, and productivity of the people living with HIV (PLWH) by improving survival and decreasing the incidence of opportunistic infections through reduction of the viral load and increase of the level of CD4 cells .The effectiveness of ART relies on a strict adherence to it.⁶In 2014, 14.9 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally, of which 13.5 million were receiving ART in low- and middle-income countries. The 14.9 million people on ART represent 40% [37–45%] of people living with HIV globally¹. According to the census done by ART center of District Wenlock hospital, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada in December 2012, revealed that out of 3,836 cases, only 2,218 patients were on regular ART, 126 belonged to the 'stopped treatment' status, and 117 patients were lost to follow-up from the last three months.². Aims and Objectives-(1)To identify the factors affecting compliance of ART treatment of HIV among HIV patients.(2)To find out the association between factors affecting compliance of ART with selected demographic variable. Material and Methods- Data was collected from 100 patients with structured questionnaire to assess the factors affecting compliance of ART. And interview schedule technique was used. Result- Majority of the patients with HIV In the study 53% of the patients was males. And the maximum 33% of them was from age group 31-40 years. And Maximum 38% of them had primary education. The majority of the samples 32% of them was housewives. And 84% of them had caregivers as family members. The findings of the study were 73% patients believe in ART, 72% aware about ART, 79% manage daily routine with ART,69% believe that ART increase life span.92% family member know the diagnosis of patient and 74% behave well with them,92% disclosed diagnosis in society and 31% behave good after knowing diagnosis, 75% stigma affect, 74%respond that special consideration given for ART where they doing job,89% patient said cost of transportation affect and 52% family members support for finances. 91% said counselor cooperate with them, 62% have time to Attend OPD, 78% said counselor maintain good relation with them, and only 55% said counseling was effective for them. And 77% patient knows the side effects of ART and 71% experience the side effect, 49% patient said side effect of ART has impact in regularity of treatment, 58% patient said other medicine affects in compliance to ART. Conclusion-The overall experience of conducting this study was satisfying one, as there was good co-operation from patient. The study was a new learning experience for the Researcher. The aim of the study was to assess the factors affecting to compliance of antiretroviral treatment, were 73% patients believe in ART, 72% aware about ART, 69% believe that ART increase life span. 75% stigma affect, 74%respond that special consideration given for ART where they doing job,89% patient said cost of transportation affect 71% experience the side effect, 49% patient said side effect of ART has impact in regularity of treatment, 58% patient said other medicine affects in compliance to ART. These data will assist the health workers to detect the high risk patient who need intervention for compliance to ART.