Million Tumato (MD, MPH), Bekele Sibuh (MD) and Adanech Tadele (Sr.) Assessment of Levels of Failure of Adherence to Anti Retroviral Treatment by ART Candidates in Hawassa Health Center in 2004, Sidama, Hawassa, Ethiopia, August 2011 G.C

Introduction: Different intervention measures have been adapted and being implemented to address problems of HIV -AIDS epidemic. Voluntary testing and counseling (VCT), Prevention of maternal transmission to child (PMTCT), Anti retroviral drug treatment and the like have been used as reliable means of strategies to reduce further spread and minimize adverse effects of the pandemic. Mentioned intervention measures have been undertaken nationwide. The purpose of this assessment was to identify influencing factors which contribute to low ART uptake in Hawassa health center and use findings to address the problem.

Methods: Survey was conducted using structured questionnaire and was administered to people living with HIV (PLWHAS) taking antiretroviral drug regimen. Data was analyzed using excel.

Results: A total of 30 PLWHAS who were taking ART and under follow up were involved in the survey of which 20 were females. Mean age of respondents was 22 years and their age ranged between 16 to 44 years. Twenty out of thirty of respondents reported geographical distance as impeding factor for their failure to continue medication. Five out of thirty respondents responded that it was difficult to them taking ART in front of the public for fear of stigma and discrimination which was so devastating and humiliating. The remaining (Five) of respondents reported that side effects of ART drugs made them to default.

Conclusion:  Low levels of awareness, gap in expanding needed services of ART and increased levels of stigma and discrimination by the public against PLWAHS contributed to low ART uptake by the candidates and intervention measures to address problems of stigma and discrimination, ART drug side effects and other related intervention activities to be undertaken was recommended.

Keywords: Antiretroviral drug regimen, drug side effects, stigma and discrimination, Ethiopia