Sahra  Abdulle,Patricia  Munseri,Rikard  Sultan,Rune  Andersson,
Family support is important for adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV positive mothers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Clinical Microbiology and Research
2018
2674-418X
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.CMR.2018.01.006
https://www.sciencerepository.org/family-support-is-important-for-adherence-to-antiretroviral-therapy-among-HIV-positive-mothers-in-dar-es-salaam-tanzania_CMR-1-106 
Abstract: Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is of utmost importance to reduce the risk of vertical
transmission of HIV. We enrolled 106 patients from two Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
(PMTCT) clinics in Dar es Salaam in September- November 2016. Study participants were given structured
standardized questionnaires regarding their self-estimated adherence and barriers and enablers to adherence.
Good adherence was defined as taking ≥95% of the pills as prescribed. About 70% of the participants
achieved this level of adherence. The odds ratios for poor adherence among women with medium and poor
family support were 5.69 (95% CI: 1.36-23-75) and 6.86 (95% CI: 1.89-24.96) respectively compared to
good support. A large portion of the women failed to reach the high set limit for adherence. Increased
spousal involvement and support could help many women to achieve good adherence.Keywords: HIV, ART, Adherence, PMTCT, Social support