SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION AND CHALLENGES OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY NON-ADHERENCE AMONG INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN GONDAR TOWN HEALTH CENTER, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: The epidemic of HIV/AIDS is affecting individual, and community lives at different levels. To encounter such challenge HIV-positive, individuals are taking ART drugs, but they often faced different challenge for taking the drug. Objective: The main objective of this study is to investigate the major socio-economic situations challenges of ART non-adherence among HIV/AIDS positives in Gondar town health center. Methods: To do so, I have conducted a cross-sectional study with mixed-method research that is both quantitative and qualitative methods. More specifically, I have employed questionnaires, focus group discussion and in-depth interview to collect the actual data from respondents. Results: Based on the information gathered from respondents’ majority of them are females (78%) whose age lies between 39 and 49, and socioeconomically, their major occupation is daily laborer and unemployed. As to the major challenges of taking ART drug personal, socio-economic situation that is being poor, lack of food, family-level factors, shortage of professional counseling services, and others are responsible. Conclusion: ART non-adherence is associated with the socio-economic condition of patients’ personal, family, and community-level challenges