The factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Bushenyi district: A case study of HIV clinic Kampala International University, Teaching Hospital

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Date
2019-03
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
The study was to assess the factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Bushenyi District using Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH) as the case study. The study was guided by three objectives i.e. to find out the economic factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in KIU-TH, to assess the social factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in KIU-TH and to examine the health system factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in KIU-TH. A cross-sectional research design was used for this study; the researcher studied 112 respondents, simple random sampling technique was used to select patients/clients and purposive sampling was used to select health workers because they had prior knowledge on the topic; Questionnaires to collect data from the clients and interview guides to collect data from the health workers. Data was also analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 16.0 i.e. bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square and pvalue and graphs that aided in discussion of the findings. The study found out that the retention of KIU-TH HIV clinic was 68% in February 2019; the factors that affected patient retention in care were particularly long distance to ART center, cost of transportation and high patient load with long waiting times at the clinic represented the greatest barrier to accessing treatment, excessive drinking of some patients, HIV related- stigma and non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners and families are significant barriers and shortage of health personnel. However, if the needs of patients are to be met, systems in health facilities need to be strengthened to reduce loss to follow up, increase adherence and promote long term retention. From the study findings, the researcher recommended that patients need to be continually encouraged to take treatment at their nearest treatment center. He also suggested that health care providers including adherence support workers should take an active role in the fight against stigma. Strategies that can encourage patients to improve on disclosure of HIV status should be developed. The researcher recommended that different appointments should be given to the patients to minimize the health personals workloads
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery of Kampala International University
Keywords
Retention in care, Antiretroviral treatment, Bushenyi district, HIV/AIDS, Kampala International University, Teaching Hospital
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