Gender-based violence and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among HIV-infected women attending care and treatment clinic, Mbeya Tanzania.

Abstract

Background: Approximately 62% of women living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Tanzania. To maximize the clinical benefits of ART and attain a successful treatment outcome, more than 95 % adherence level is necessary. However, sustaining high levels of adherence to ART is a challenge. Gender based violence is identified as one of the barrier to achieving that high level of adherence among women living with HIV/AIDS Objective: This study aimed at determining the relationship between Gender Based Violence and ART adherence among women on ART attending CTC in Mbeya Region. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected women aged above 18years on ART attending CTC in Mbeya Regional hospital. A probability sample was drawn and interviewed after informed consent using structured questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7 Results; A total of 411 participants were recruited into the study, 67% were in the age group 28-48years, 45.5% were married, 30% widowed, and 58.9% completed primary education, and 78% were self-employed. Sixty one (14.8%) had reported poor adherent to their ART treatment while prevalence of ever having any form of violence was (24.8%). Poor ART adherence was more likely among clients with psychological violence (AOR=4.89, 95%CI:1.07-22.2), had history of alcohol use (AOR=5.54, 95%CI:1.3-4.6), or had stigma (AOR=7.55,95%CI:1.61-35.24), lack of disclosure of HIV sero-status(AOR=1.12,95%CI:0.21-5.81), and rural residence(AOR=0.52,95%CI:0.07-3.57), were not associated with poor adherence to ART. Conclusion: The results indicated that gender based violence contributes to poor adherence to ART for women. Therefore routine screening of women for exposure to violence may be useful in clinical settings where HIV services are provided in order to increase adherence to ART.