A qualitative analysis of factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among persons living with HIV in Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID12396551
AuthorsMartha Ali Abdulai (0000-0002-3469-2610, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service Kintampo Ghana, corresponding author), Fraukje E F Mevissen (0000-0002-5303-0209, Department of Work and Social Psychology Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands), Robert A C Ruiter (0000-0001-5017-3258, Department of Work and Social Psychology Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands), Seth Owusu‐Agyei (0000-0002-0807-1781, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service Kintampo Ghana), Kwaku Poku Asante (0000-0001-9158-351X, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service Kintampo Ghana), Arjan E R Bos (0000-0003-1000-5852, Faculty of Psychology Open University Heerlen The Netherlands)
Year2021
Volume32
Issue1
Pages135-150
Publication date2021-06-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1052-9284 • E-ISSN: 1099-1298
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/casp.2551
OpenAlexW3170433935
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited42

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important factor in HIV prevention and treatment efforts. We explored the individual and environmental factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among PLWH in Ghana. This study used 20 semi‐structured in‐depth interviews and three focus group discussions (FGD) involving 29 PLWH attending one of three antiretroviral clinics. Thematic analysis covered experiences of PLWH clinic visits, knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy related to ART adherence, psychological wellbeing and stigma. The findings suggest that both individual and environmental factors including treatment outcome, coping skills, disclosure, self‐regulation, healthcare‐provider interaction, family and partner support, organization of ART clinics, stigma, and transportation cost influenced treatment adherence. Interventions that empower PLWH and reduce HIV‐related stigma in the community will most likely support antiretroviral adherence.

Antiretroviral therapy · Antiretroviral treatment · Coping (psychology · Family medicine · Focus group · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social stigma · Social support · Stigma (botany · Thematic analysis · Viral load · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology

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