Factors contributing to antiretroviral treatment non-adherence among caregivers of children under five years of age, Vhembe District, South Africa

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is the world’s leading cause of premature death in children under five years. The promoters of an AIDS free generation predict a situation in which children living with HIV/AIDS readily have access to antiretroviral treatment, care and support. As such children need to remain alive and do well until they reach adulthood. This study seeks to explore the factors contributing to antiretroviral treatment nonadherence among caregivers of children under five years. A qualitative approach with explorative, descriptive and contextual designs were employed in this study. The population were caregivers of children under five years of age, living with HIV/AIDS and on antiretroviral therapy. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select the hospitals and caregivers. Unstructured in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 25 caregivers. Creswell’s eight steps approach were employed to analyse data. Ethical issues were considered to protect the participants. A myriad of factors was found to contribute to Antiretroviral treatment nonadherence among caregivers of children under five years. The results of the study revealed that Social and personal factors, poor access to medication, medicinal factors and other factors that are beyond the caregiver’s control as contributory factors to Antiretroviral treatment nonadherence. The researcher concluded that, although South Africa has been running one of the biggest Antiretroviral Therapy programme, she is facing challenges related to adherence particularly among caregivers of children in rural settings. Recommendations made by the researcher based on the findings of the study focused on improving adherence to ART through training. Future research can be conducted focusing on adherence to ART by caregivers of children in urban areas. It will be interesting to hear what factors influence the caregivers to adhere to Antiretroviral treatment.