Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- Ehsan Vesali-Monfared 1, 2, 3
- Maryam Barati 4
- Shahriar Parsa-Majd 1
- Forouzan Rezapur-Shahkolai 1, 5, 6
1 Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3 Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Iran
4 Department of health education and health promotion, Arak Health Deputy, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
5 Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
6 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for improving life expectancy among patients with HIV/AIDS and plays a significant role in preventing and controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in society. This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators of treatment adherence among patients with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis in July and August 2020 in Qom, Iran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum diversity, and data collection continued until saturation was reached. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 patients with HIV/AIDS at a behavioral disease counseling center in Qom, Iran, using a pre-defined interview guide.
Results: Four subcategories of barriers were identified, including patient-related factors, drug-related factors, sociocultural factors, and factors related to the healthcare delivery system. Two subcategories of facilitators, including education and information campaigns and encouragement and increased motivation also emerged.
Conclusion: To design and implement effective intervention strategies for improving adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment, it is essential to identify the obstacles faced by patients. Moreover, establishing harm reduction centers (Drop-In Centers, DICs), fostering trust and mutual understanding between healthcare providers and patients, and reducing stigma and discrimination can play an effective role in promoting treatment adherence.
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