Gedif, Teferi (PhD)Yimer, Zinet2022-03-282023-11-092022-03-282023-11-092009-10http://10.90.10.223:4000/handle/123456789/30913Background: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) regimens greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection, high adherence for an optimal response to HAART is requirement. Unfortunately, adherence to HAART is difficult and poor adherence is common. Low adherence and the closely related phenomenon of drug resistance are thought to be the most important reasons for failed ARVs treatment. Better QOL score may relate with better adherence to HAART regimens, better PHS and MHS score. Objective: To determine the cutTent adherence rate and its determinants as well as to assess quality of life of patients among PLWHA currently on HAART in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional Survey on assessment of factors affecting adherence to HAART was conducted between August 2007 and October 2007 in selected health institution of Afar Region, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed in the stud y. Results: A total of 422 PLWHA and currently on HAART were participated in the study. Study participants were 222(52.6%) females and 200(47.4%) males, most of participants were in the age group of 25-44. According to 15-days recall self-report, 402(95.3%) of participants were adherent to doses of HAART. Adherence rate obtained from unannounced pill-count was also 53%. Traveling so could not keep the routine, too busy, lack of food and difficult to take many pills were the most common reasons reported for missed doses. In multiple logistic regress ion among the socio-demographic variables, employment was associated with better adherence score (OR, .001; CI, .001-.344, P=.026). Pill burden (OR= .001, CI .001-.089, P=O.OOI) and long time with virus (OR=.044, CI, .003-.714), P=0.028) were associated with better self-reported adherence. Age (OR= 1l.822, CI 1.274-109.65, P=0.030), gender (OR= 16.19, CI 1.111 - 232. 18, P=.046), level of education (OR= 12.899, CI l.007-165.242, P=0.049) also long time with HAART (OR= 33.391, CI, l.066-1046.279, P=0.046) among factors weakly associates with adherence. Shortage of medicines for OIs, quality of care, lack of income, and lack of food were reported among the factors more affect adherence among most of FGDs participants. Stigma, regimen factors like pill burden, side effect and structural issues were reported as factors less affects adherence to HAART. Adherence was assoc iated with better PHS and M HS sco re, which is to mean better QOL. Conclnsion: self report HAART adherence rate in th is population is better than studies in hi gh income countr ies as well as in Africa and in other Regions of Ethiopia, in spite of the fact th at patients in Ethiopia face a large number of economical problems. However, non-adherence remains an unsettling barrier for treatment success and is ever-present among patients receiving ARYs therapy. To improve adherence establishing reliable drug supply, training of ex tra number of staffs, simplifying dosage regimens and confidentiality should be mai ntained. Also study with intervention with some adherence support program may help to address factors on non ad herence. Key words: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), Adherence, HIY/AlDS, Quality or Life (QOL), SF-36, Afar Region, Ethiopia.enHighly Active AntiretroviralTherapy (HAART)AdherenceHIV/AlDSQuality or Life (QOL)SF-36Afar RegionEthiopiaThesis