| dc.description.abstract | The main aim of the study was to establish the adherence levels and factors that hinder or promote adherence to Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) among the nomadic and non nomadic communities in Isiolo district of Kenya. This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out at the Isiolo District Hospital HIV care center. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire while 8 focus group discussions were conducted amongst HIV infected patients who were on HAART for not less than 6 months. Key informants interviews were conducted with health care providers working at
the comprehensive care clinic.
The adherence level in the study population was 97.4%. The only factor found to be associated with adherence was the nomadic state, where nomads had adherence of 55.6% compared to non-nomads at 98.7%. Factors pointed out during the FGDs that contribute to the low level of adherence in the Nomadic group include but not limited to lifestyle (Moving from one place to another in search of pasture), insecurity, long distances, lack of food, poverty, health system (Few staff, long waiting time and drug stock outs).
The level of adherence to HAART in Isiolo district hospital is good at 97.4%. However the adherence level amongst the nomads is low at 55.6%. In order to have successful ART program among the nomads interventions to address some of the highlighted barriers to adherence in this group such as health systems, long distances, insecurity and poverty need to be put in place. | en_US |
