Background: To achieve an effective treatment outcome, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for people living with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) needs at least a 95% adherence level. The aim was to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among patients accessing treatment at Health centers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 770 HIV-positive patients from April 1 to May 10, 2019, in East Gojjam Zone. The study participants were selected by simple random computerized sampling methods. Primary data was collected from the patients through face-to-face interviews and home-to-home visits. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done. Independent variables with a P-value of <0.2 in bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. A P-value of <0.05 was used as the cut-off point for the presence of statistical significance. Results: About 396 (51.8%) of the study participants had good adherence. Being 18–24 years old [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.21–0.86], having a marital status of being widowed (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.14–0.58), having a disease duration of >10 years (AOR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.24–0.94), taking a drug regimen of Tenofovir (TDF) + Lamivudine (3 TC) + Nevirapine (NVP) (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.406.15), not being socially stigmatized (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.34–0.78), and having not encountered an opportunistic infection (AOR = 3.91; 95% CI = 2.68–5.72) were significant factors. Conclusions: The level of adherence was low. Opportunistic infection prevention, reduction of social stigma, and other intervention activities should be strengthened to increase the level of adherence.
Elsevier, Heliyon, Volume 9, July 2023
