A descriptive study to evaluate the effect of guidelines used by counsellors to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the private sector

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To achieve a virological outcome to antiretroviral therapy, a high adherence level is required. OBJECTIVE: To implement and evaluate guidelines that will be used by treatment support counsellors in an attempt to increase client adherence to antiretroviral treatment. METHODS: A quasi - experimental comparative study was used to assess whether a structured treatment support guidelines can improve client adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The treatment outcome of two groups was compared: one group received the adherence guidelines and the other group was a historical group where no adherence guidelines were applied. The main outcome measure was whether adherence guidelines improved adherence to ART. PARTICIPANTS: Forty clients were exposed to the adherence guidelines and 34 were not. SETTING: Clients that subscribe to Aids for Aids . Intervention: A structured guideline used by counsellors with regular contact. RESULTS: Specific guidelines used by counsellors to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy has shown that significantly more clients in the intervention group had their CD4 blood tests done after six months and adhered to regularly claim their medications. In addition were there more clients in the intervention group who had viral loads of less than 400 copies I ml after six months. CONCLUSION: Specific counselling using effective guidelines improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment.