The perspectives of users of antiretroviral therapy on structural barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence in South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorKagee, Ashrafen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorNothling, Janien_ZA
dc.contributor.authorCoetzee, Bronwyneen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2013-07-03T08:19:38Z
dc.date.available2013-07-03T08:19:38Z
dc.date.issued2012
dc.descriptionCITATION: Kagee, A., Nothling, J. & Coetzee, B. 2012. The perspectives of users of antiretroviral therapy on structural barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence in South Africa. South African Family Practice, 54(6)540-544.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.safpj.co.za
dc.description.abstractBackground: The effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the importance of adherence to treatment regimens are widely known. Yet, suboptimal adherence to ART and retention in care of patients still persists and, by many accounts, is fairly widespread. The aim of this study was to identify the structural barriers that influenced adherence among patients who were enrolled in the national ART programme in South Africa. Method: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 patients receiving ART at a public hospital in South Africa. Results: The results of the interviews were categorised according to poverty-related, institution-related and social barriers to clinic attendance and pill-taking, which collectively formed the structural barriers to adherence. The chief structural barriers to clinic attendance were time away from work, transport expenses, long waiting times and negative experiences with clinic staff. The chief barriers to pill-taking were food insecurity, stigma and discrimination. Conclusion: The barriers to adherence are discussed. Attention is called to the extraindividual factors that influenced ART adherence. We conclude that contextual factors, such as a healthcare-enabling environment, might play an important role in influencing healthcare-promoting behaviour among patients.
dc.description.urihttp://www.safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/2268
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent5 pages
dc.identifier.citationKagee, A., Nothling, J. & Coetzee, B. 2012. The perspectives of users of antiretroviral therapy on structural barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence in South Africa. South African Family Practice, 54(6)540-544.
dc.identifier.issn2078-6204 (online)
dc.identifier.issn2078-6190 (print)
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/82476
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMedpharm Publications
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectAntiretroviral therapyen_ZA
dc.titleThe perspectives of users of antiretroviral therapy on structural barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence in South Africaen_ZA
dc.typeArticle
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