Abstract:
Background: The provision of antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS has
encountered many challenges associated with poor adherence in South African and other
countries in Africa as a whole including globally. Taking ARVs Properly has shown to
reduce viral load to a level where the virus becomes undetectable and these results in an
increase of CD4 count cells. These decreases chances of oppotunistic infections but it
requires a proper adherence and compliance to treatment which seems to be difficult to
most patients on ART.
Purpose: The study investigated factors contributing to clients defaulting antiretroviral
treatment.
Methodology: A qualitative explorative cross-sectional study design was conducted at
Matoks in Capricon District, in the months of May, June and July 2017. A purposive
sampling method was used to select 19 respondents whom where willing to voluntrily
participate in the study from a population of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHV). An
indepth face to face interview was used to collect data, guided by a central question and
probing. It was then analyzed by the use of eight steps of Tesch.
Results: The findings revealed that women were more defaulters than men. Shortages
of antiretroviral treatment and most clients were unable to collect ART on time due to lack
of transport to the clinic and the long distance from their perspective homes to the clinic.
Socio economic conditions and indegenious health beliefs were some of factors identified.
Recommendations: extensive health education and promotion should be intensified to
reach all community members of Matoks and PLWHA in terms of HIV/AIDS care and
consistent taking of treatment that clients who live far away from the clinic will be able to
collect the ARV treatment nearer to their place of residents.
