Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Drop Out Among Clients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Mkuranga District

Nshau, Arapha Bashir (2017) Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Drop Out Among Clients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Mkuranga District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Retention in ART treatment greatly affects effectiveness of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) programme due to threats of antiretroviral drug resistance. High retention reduces mortality and HIV related morbidity. This study was conducted to determine the magnitude and reasons for drop out from HIV care and treatment services for patients starting ART in Mkuranga District Hospital. The study was conducted in one HIV care treatment facility. It involved retrospective record review of National HIV care and treatment database of patients enrolled in ART during the period January 2013 to December 2014 and Cross-sectional survey of those were found to be drop-outs from ART during the retrospective phase. Between January 2013 and December 2014, a total of 466 HIV/AIDS individual were enrolled on ART in Mkuranga District Hospital. A total of 187(40.1%) were drop out (dead, LTF or unknown), the reasons were: stigma, longer waiting time at the clinic, transport cost, lack of food, religious beliefs and family pressure. Long waiting in the clinic and stigma were the main factors associated with drop out. Thus, establishing block appointment system as well as increasing the number of health facilities delivering HIV services and the number of qualified health care providers may shorten clinic waiting time. Strengthening adherence counseling and health education in both health facilities and communities may lead to reduced stigma.

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