Belief in divine healing can be a barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence in Uganda.
Although recent data suggest high levels of adherence to expanding antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in resource-limited settings, the culture-specific barriers to adherence are poorly understood. In a prospective observational study, we found that 1.2% of patients discontinued ART because of a belief in spiritual healing. Spiritual beliefs should be an important part of ART adherence counselling in resource-limited settings, requiring close collaboration between HIV care programmes and religious leaders to identify common goals and ensure successful treatment.
Wanyama
Jane
J
Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
Castelnuovo
Barbara
B
Wandera
Bonnie
B
Mwebaze
Patricia
P
Kambugu
Andrew
A
Bangsberg
David R
DR
Kamya
Moses R
MR
D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003469:Culture; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012067:Religion; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014454:Uganda
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents