Determinants of non-compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy among adults living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Non-compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy is a major public health concern and further challenged by interaction of various social and clinical obstacles. So; near perfect pill taking is desirable in order to maximise its benefits.

Objectives: To systematically search, appraise and synthesise the best available evidence on determinants of non-compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy among adults living with HIV/AIDS and provide direction to future how to increase compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy.

Inclusion criteria: The systematic review considered studies with 18 years and above year old adults living with HIV/AIDS.Determinants of non-compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy among adults living with HIV/AIDS.Quantitative study designs were considered for inclusion.Socio-economic, Health service, Psychosocial and behavioural and Clinical related outcomes.

Search strategy: English language articles published between January1997 and December 2011 were sought across major databases.

Methodological quality: Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistical Assessment and Review Instrument critical appraisal tools.

Data collection: Data were extracted from papers included in the review by using a standardized data extraction tool.

Data synthesis: Meta- analysis was conducted using fixed and random effects model with mantel Haenszel method using Revman5 software. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed using χ test at a p-value of <0.05. Summary statistics were expressed as adjusted odds ratio or adjusted risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals at a p-value of <0.05.

Results: Nine studies (seven cross-sectional, one cohort study and one case-control study) were included in the review. Results from meta analysis showed that white race adults living with HIV/AIDS were 1.38 times more likely to non-comply with Antiretroviral Therapy when compared with black adults living with HIV/ AIDS (Adjusted Relative Risk=1.38; 95%CI=1.21, 1.58, p value<0.00001). Non-depressed adults living with HIV/AIDS were 1.77 times more likely to non-comply with Antiretroviral Therapy when compared with depressed adults living with HIV/AIDS (Adjusted Odds ratio =1.77; 95%CI=1.17, 2.69, p value=0.007). Substance non-user adults living with HIV/ AIDS were 2.04 times more likely to non-comply with Antiretroviral Therapy when compared with substance user adults living with HIV/ AIDS (Adjusted Relative Risk =2.04; 95%CI=1.51, 2.74, p value=<0.00001). Adults living with HIV/ AIDS with baseline CD4 count ≥200cells/ml were 1.8 times more likely to non-comply with Antiretroviral Therapy when compared with adults livings with HIV/ AIDS with baseline CD4 count ≥200cells/ml (Adjusted Odds ratio=1.84; 95%CI=1.08, 3.15, p value=0.03).

Conclusion: We found the base line CD4 count ≥200cells/ml, not being depressed; not using substances and being white in race were associated with non-compliance with Antiretroviral Therapy.Behavioural change via counselling should be encouraged as a way to increase compliance. Reminders to take mediations regularly, on time, offering encouragement to keep going, helping to keep clinic appointments and providing emotional support for adults living with HIV/AIDS is important.Further research utilizing more robust experimental methods would help to further explore the findings of this review.