ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY ADHERENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV/AIDS PATIENTS AGED 18–39 YEARS AT GIONG RIENG DISTRICT, AN GIANG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Duy Trinh Nguyễn, Lan Thùy Ty Nguyễn, Văn Tiền Huỳnh

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for viral suppression, prevention of drug resistance, and improved quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS. Young patients (18–39 years) frequently face barriers related to knowledge, occupation, economic pressure, and psychological factors, potentially affecting treatment adherence. Objective: To describe ART adherence and identify associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients aged 18–39 years receiving outpatient treatment in Giong Rieng Commune, An Giang Province. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 patients selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, ART knowledge, treatment-related factors, and the 11-item GMAS adherence scale. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square/Fisher tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied to determine associated factors with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 30.5 ± 5.6 years; males accounted for 78.5%. The ART adherence rate was 36.9%, while 63.1% were non-adherent. Significant associated factors included educational level (p < 0.05), correct ART knowledge (p < 0.01), treatment duration > 3 years (p < 0.05), appointment adherence (p < 0.01), viral load < 200 copies/ml (p < 0.01), and presence of side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ART adherence among young HIV/AIDS patients remains low. Adequate ART knowledge and suppressed viral load are key determinants of adherence. Enhanced counseling, monitoring, and tailored interventions are essential to support this patient group.

Article Details

References

Ngô VM, Bùi THV, Thực trạng trầm cảm của người nhiễm HIV/AIDS đang điều trị ARV tại 2 phòng khám ngoại trú tỉnh Thái Bình, Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam, 2021, 506(2).
2. Tâm LM, Trầm TV, Một số yếu tố liên quan đến chất lượng cuộc sống ở bệnh nhân HIV/AIDS đang điều trị ARV tại Trung tâm Y tế thành phố Dĩ An, tỉnh Bình Dương năm 2023, Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam, 2023, 532(2).
3. Thủy ĐT, Nhung VH, Thực trạng tuân thủ điều trị ARV của người bệnh HIV/AIDS tại Bệnh viện Đa khoa huyện Vũ Thư năm 2023, Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam, 2024, 542(3).
4. Bộ Y tế, Hướng dẫn điều trị và chăm sóc HIV/AIDS (Ban hành kèm theo Quyết định số 5456/QĐ-BYT ngày 20/11/2019), Nhà xuất bản Y học, Hà Nội, 2019, 1–220.
5. Finitsis DJ, Pellowski JA, Johnson BT, Text message intervention designs to promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, PloS one, 2014, 9(2):e88166.
6. Mills EJ, Nachega JB, Buchan I, Orbinski J, Attaran A, Singh S, Rachlis B, Wu P, Cooper C, Thabane L, Wilson K, Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa and North America: A meta-analysis, Jama, 2006, 296(6):679–690.
7. Naqvi AA, Hassali MA, Rizvi M, Zehra A, Iffat W, Haseeb A, Jamshed S, Development and validation of a novel General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) for chronic illness patients in Pakistan, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018, 9:1124.
8. World Health Organization. Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection: recommendations for a public health approach June 2013, Geneva:World Health Organization, 2013, 1-272.