Determinants of adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among discordant couples in Usigu Division, Bondo sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To establish the determinants of adherence to ART among discordant couples in Usigu Division, Bondo sub -County.

Design: A descriptive cross- sectional study.

Setting: Comprehensive Care Clinics within Usigu Division, Bondo sub -County.

Subjects: All HIV infected patients in a discordant relationship enrolled in comprehensive care clinics within Usigu Division.

Results: The total number that were tested were 383, 172 (44.96 %) of the respondents were tested for HIV as a couple before learning that they were in a discordant relationship. Of the respondents (295 / 383), 77 % who were satisfied with health information given by healthcare providers, only 26 % adhered to ART therapy.

Conclusion: Key messages to encourage PrEP use by HIV-negative partners need to be developed and refined as a bridge to sustained ART use by the HIV-positive partners.