Factors for incomplete adherence to antiretroviral therapy including drug refill and clinic visits among older adults living with human immunodeficiency virus – cross‐sectional study in South Africa

摘要

Abstract Objectives To assess adherence outcomes to antiretroviral therapy ( ART ) of recipients ≥50 years in Soweto, South Africa. Methods This was a secondary data analysis for a cross‐sectional study at two HIV clinics in Soweto. Data on ART adherence and covariates were gathered through structured interviews with HIV 878 persons living with HIV ( PLHIV ) receiving ART . Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations. Results PLHIV ≥50 years ( n = 103) were more likely to miss clinic visits during the last six months than PLHIV aged 25–49 ( OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.10–4.18). PLHIV ≥50 years with no or primary‐level education were less likely to have missed a clinic visit during the last six months than PLHIV with secondary‐ or tertiary‐level education in the same age category ( OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1–1.1), as were PLHIV who did not disclose their status ( OR 0.2; 95% CI 0–1.1). There was no evidence of increased risk for non‐adherence to ART pills and drug refill visits among older PLHIV . Conclusion Missing a clinic visit was more common among older PLHIV who were more financially vulnerable. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and identify new risk factors associated with ART adherence.