Factors influencing the acceptance of directly observed therapy in the delivery of anti-retroviral drugs for treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Urban Uganda

Abstract

Background: Directly observed therapy for highly active antiretroviral therapy (DOT-HAART) has the potential to improve adherence and social support in HIV+ patients. Aims were to determine; the level of DOT-HAART acceptance, the type of DOT-HAART preferred and identify factors that may be associated with DOT-HAART acceptance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 391 HIV+ patients at JCRC in urban Uganda between July and August 2007. Chi-square statistics and Logistic regression were used in the analysis. Results: Of the 391 study participants, 272(69.6%) overall were willing to accept DOT-HAART. Community- based DOT-HAART was overwhelmingly preferred (97.1%). In multivariable analysis; being female (OR=1.9), lower education level (OR=1.8), monthly income≤ U.S $ =58.9 (OR=2.8), use of DOT for TB (OR=7.8) and having disclosed the HIV serostatus (OR=4.5) were associated with DOTHAART acceptance. Conclusions: In urban settings like JCRC, DOT-HAART was acceptable, with community -based DOT-HAART preferred in different subgroups of participants.