Partner cohesion, perceived social support and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at Lira Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how Partner Cohesion and Perceived Social Support influence adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH). The study was guided by three objectives which were; examining the relationship between Partner cohesion and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at LRRH; assessing the relationship between perceived social support and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among Couples Living with HIV at LRRH; and establishing the interactive effect of Partner cohesion and perceived social support on adherence to ART among couples living with HIV at LRRH. The study employed a cross sectional research design where data was collected using a questionnaire administered to 165 adult males and females who were cohabiting or married with the age above 18 years seeking medical attention at LRRH and who have been on ART for at least two years. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Spearman ‘s correlation analysis results revealed that couples with higher levels of cohesion are more likely to adhere to ART regimens (r=0.53**, p<0.01) thus having a supportive partner has been linked to better health outcomes and higher adherence rates compared to individuals without such support. Also, individuals who perceive higher levels of Perceived social support may tend to have better adherence to ART (r=0.55**, p<0.01). Partner cohesion predicts adherence to ART. Where Partner cohesion had an effect on adherence to ART (Wald=1.310, Exp(B)=2.152, 95% C.I.for EXP(B)=0.579 and 7.990) with each unit increase associated with a 7.66% increase in odds of adherence to ART while Perceived social support has a statistically significant effect on adherence to ART (Wald=10.394, Exp(B)=8.902, 95% C.I.for EXP(B)=2.356 and 33.630) with each unit increase associated with a 21.86% increase in chances (odds) of adherence to ART. The findings in this study reveal that perceived social support is a key factor that determines adherence to ART. The study therefore recommends that couples ensure they have effective communication, have supportive friends, share common goals and values, have supportive families among others to enhance perceived social support.

Keywords: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Lira Regional Referral Hospital