Antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires nearly perfect adherence to be effective. This study aims to identify key factors identified by HIV-infected adolescents on ART as contributing to medication adherence in western Kenya. Using a qualitative study design, three adolescent focus groups discussions were conducted at an urban and rural clinic site in western Kenya. The study population included HIV-infected adolescents receiving ART through the USAID-AMPATH HIV care system. A trained facilitator conducted groups in Kiswahili using a semi-structured interview guide probing multiple aspects of experience of taking medicines. Transcribed focus group dialogues were analyzed using constant comparison, progressive coding, and triangulation. The adolescents described a context of negative societal beliefs about HIV, necessitating a lifestyle of secrecy and minimizing the information shared about HIV or ART. Assessing and addressing adolescents' fears and behaviors regarding medication secrecy and disclosure may enable more accurate monitoring of adherence and development of intervention strategies.
Keyphrases
- antiretroviral therapy
- hiv infected
- young adults
- human immunodeficiency virus
- hiv positive
- hiv infected patients
- hiv aids
- physical activity
- south africa
- randomized controlled trial
- cardiovascular disease
- mental health
- healthcare
- adipose tissue
- type diabetes
- insulin resistance
- body composition
- social media
- emergency department
- single molecule