POPLINE Document Number: 314777
Author(s):
Chalker J
Source citation:
Arlington, Virginia, Management Sciences for Health [MSH], Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Sida / INRUD Enhancing Adherence for Antiretrovirals in East Africa Project, 2007 Jan. 38 p. (USAID Cooperative Agreement No. HRN-A-00-00-00016-00|USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PN-ADI-099)
Abstract:
In collaboration with national AIDS control programs, International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) groups conducted a survey to ascertain the current practices in measuring and calculating adherence and defaulting behaviors by patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) medicines in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs as well as to find what data are routinely recorded and where in five East African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Overall, interviews were conducted with 24 programs or facility grouping managers that provide ARVs in the five countries and with facility managers or clinicians in 48 facilities with 86,807 patients on ART. These facilities included a wide range of types. Definitions of both adherence and defaulters or dropouts vary considerably, if they exist at all. Fourteen different definitions of defaulting were used. Measurement at individual or facility level is haphazard, using various data sources and various methods of calculation. Nevertheless, as much information is recorded at both the clinic and pharmacy, a standardized measurement should be possible. A regional meeting was held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, April 27-29, 2006, in which 38 participants took part. They came from Management Sciences for Health (MSH), the national AIDS control programs, and local INRUD groups who had coordinated the survey. The meeting was held to discuss findings of the ARV adherence survey and plan work to develop and validate reliable and feasible indicators of adherence. (excerpt)
Keywords:
KenyaIndex page
Research Report
Survey Methodology
HIV Positive Persons
Pharmacists
Antiretroviral Therapy
User Compliance
Delivery of Health Care
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Persons Living With HIV/AIDS
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Health Personnel
Health
HIV
Behavior