Exploring factors influencing ART adherence among PLHIV in Zanzibar

An antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of at least 95% has been proven necessary in order for treatment to be effective. Failure to meet this level results in poor immunological and virological outcomes. The main objective of this book is to explore factors influencing ART adherence among adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART for at least 6 months at Mnazi Mmoja Care and Treatment Centre (CTC) in Zanzibar. The author applied a qualitative exploratory study where sixteen people were recruited for in-depth interviews (IDI). Four focus group discussions (FGD) with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) on ART were also conducted. The publications were collected on interventions and strategies to improve ART adherence. The book will tell you how the use of traditional medicines, stigma, forgetfulness, false beliefs about HIV, and alcohol/illicit drug use impede adherence to ATR among adult PLHIV in Zanzibar. Other factors are side effect, pill burden, improper treatment monitoring and support, lack of food, hunger and economic hardship.