title: Barriers to and facilitators of antiretroviral therapy adherence in Nepal: a qualitative study.
abstract: Patient's adherence is crucial to get the best out of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study explores in-depth the barriers to and facilitators of ART adherence among Nepalese patients and service providers prescribing ART. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 participants. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated into English before being analyzed thematically. ART-prescribed patients described a range of barriers for failing to adhere to ART. Financial difficulties, access to healthcare services, frequent transport blockades, religious/ritual obstacles, stigma and discrimination, and side-effects were the most-frequently discussed barriers whereas trustworthy health workers, perceived health benefits, and family support were the most-reported facilitators. Understanding barriers and facilitators can help in the design of an appropriate and targeted intervention. Healthcare providers should address some of the practical and cultural issues around ART whilst policy-makers should develop appropriate social policy to promote adherence among ART-prescribed patients.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. s.wasti@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Sharada P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Wasti
authors.forename: Padam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Simkhada
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Randall
authors.forename: Jennifer V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Edwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Teijlingen
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D033262:Narration; D009390:Nepal; D011306:Prescription Fees; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents