title: Barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral therapy adherence among patients with HIV in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: A qualitative study.
abstract: Adherence is a decisive factor in achieving a successful response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection. No previous studies have been conducted regarding HIV treatment adherence in Guinea-Bissau. In this study we assessed barriers and facilitators to patient ART adherence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adult, HIV infected individuals receiving ART at a HIV treatment centre in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The grounded theory method was used to gather and analyse data. Results indicated that HIV-related knowledge was a determining factor for optimal adherence. The facilitators were experienced treatment benefits and complementing social networks. The barriers were treatment-related costs and competing livelihood needs; poor clinic infrastructure; perceived stigma; and traditional practices. Our findings indicate that good ART adherence, especially in resource-limited settings, requires that patients achieve adequate HIV-related knowledge. More studies on HIV-related knowledge and adherence among HIV infected individuals are currently needed.
authors: a Bandim Health Project , Indepth Network , Apartado 861, 1004 Bissau codex , Guinea-Bissau.
authors: Dlama N
authors: DN
authors: Rasmussen
authors: David
authors: D
authors: da Silva Té
authors: Lotte
authors: L
authors: Rodkjaer
authors: Inés
authors: I
authors: Oliveira
authors: Candida
authors: C
authors: Medina
authors: Toke
authors: T
authors: Barfod
authors: Alex L
authors: AL
authors: Laursen
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Aaby
authors: Morten
authors: M
authors: Sodemann
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Wejse
keywords: ART; Africa; HIV-related knowledge; HIV/AIDS; compliance; grounded theory; qualitative research