Approximately 28.7% of HIV/AIDS patients at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital did not adhere to their highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), posing significant public health challenges. A recent study has illuminated the predictive factors influencing this concerning trend, leveraging data from 230 participants.
The research highlights various socio-demographic and clinical characteristics affecting treatment continuation. Conducted between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, this investigation aimed to analyze the factors leading to defaulting from HAART, which remains a persistent issue among HIV-positive individuals.
The study found compelling evidence supporting the importance of treatment adherence, with patients who maintained at least 95% adherence experiencing significantly lower rates of default. Specifically, those failing to meet this adherence threshold were 2.9 times more likely to default from their treatment, reflecting the dire consequences of non-compliance on their health and treatment outcomes.
Various factors correlated with treatment default emerged from the Cox proportional hazards model analysis, including age, gender, education level, and social support. Notably, older patients exhibited heightened risks of default, with the hazard rate increasing by 5.6% for every additional year. Female patients were identified as having lower risks of default compared to males, likely influenced by their previous experiences with medication adherence.
Education levels significantly affected patient outcomes as well; those who lacked formal education were more likely to default than their more educated counterparts. The relationship between literacy and healthcare comprehension emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions aimed at improving adherence among low-education patients.
Social support played another key role, with unemployed patients facing higher default rates, as they struggled with access to care and treatment resources. Conversely, patients supported by family or community members reported lower instances of default, underscoring the importance of strengthening social networks for those living with HIV/AIDS.
The research also indicated geographical differences, with urban patients showing lower risks than those residing in rural areas. This disparity highlights the challenge of accessibility to healthcare services, which may continue to grow disproportionately, especially as healthcare resources fluctuate amid socio-political unrest.
To effectively address these alarming trends, healthcare providers and policymakers are urged to implement multifaceted interventions. Strategies such as mobile health technologies may help facilitate reminders for medication adherence. Initiatives aimed at improving accessibility to treatment facilities, especially for rural populations, should also be prioritized.
Considering the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS, particularly within Ethiopia’s Amhara region, concerted efforts to tackle treatment defaults could substantially improve patient outcomes and manage public health challenges linked to HIV/AIDS. By enhancing patient education, fostering social support, and utilizing digital tools for reminders, healthcare systems can markedly reduce default rates and improve the longevity of life for many living with HIV.