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. 2021 Dec;21(4):1603-1614.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v21i4.14.

Factors associated with readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young people (15-24 years) at four HIV clinics in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Jonathan Nkalubo  1 , Moureen Mugaba  1 , Ignatius Asasira  1 , Racheal Nakiganda  1 , Florence Namutebi  2 , Nick Ntore Arnaud  1 , Nicholas Kagumba Musisi  3 , Trinity Abasira  4 , Pius Jemba  4 , Racheal Ndyabawe  1 , Rosette Tumuhairwe  5 , Charles Batte  6 , Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka  7
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Factors associated with readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young people (15-24 years) at four HIV clinics in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Jonathan Nkalubo et al. Afr Health Sci. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15-24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital. Readiness was measured as a self-report by the individual to the question, "How ready do you feel to start ART?

Results: Of the 231 young people enrolled, the mean age (SD) was 20.7years (+/-2.8) and most were female (66.2%). Majority were very ready (53.3%) and very motivated (51.1%) to start ART. Higher treatment readiness was associated with being female (95% CI [5.62, 8.31], p=0.003), thinking that ART cures HIV (95% CI [0.43, 0.86], p=0.005), history of having unprotected sex (95% CI [0.79, 0.87], p=<0.001), anticipating negative HIV results (95% CI [0.26, 0.88], p=0.017), internalized stigma (95% CI [0.83, 0.98], p=0.018) and knowledge of positive ART effects for others (95% CI [0.84, 0.93], p=<0.001).

Conclusions: Understanding the underlying factors associated with ART readiness among young people can inform strategies to support and increase individuals' readiness to initiate ART and early engagement in care.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy Readiness; Sub-Saharan Africa; Young people.

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