Abstract:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 is a global public health issue which has affected
the essential health services. The pandemic containment measures and low setting of health
system are challenging the antiretroviral treatment follow-up. However, there is a paucity of
evidence regarding antiretroviral therapy adherence in Ethiopia, particularly Jigjiga city,
during the era of the Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence
and associated factors during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic era in Public Hospitals
of Jigjiga city, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methodology: Institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out among 382
randomly selected Human Immune Deficiency Virus patients on antiretroviral treatment
follow-up in public hospitals of Jigjiga city from March1-30/2022. The data were collected
using a check list and pre-tested and standard structured questionnaires. Epi-data were used
for data entry and SPSS version 26 for data analysis. Bi-variable and Multivariable logistic
regression model were fitted to identify factors associated with antiretroviral treatment
adherence, odds ratios with 95% Confidence intervals were estimated. Statistical
significance was considered at p<0.05. The information was presented by using frequencies,
summary measures and graphs.
Results: The adherence rate of the study patients was 76.9% (95% CI=71.9-82). Disclosing
HIV status to sexual partners or other [AOR=2.3, (95% CI (1.22-4.19)], having
communication with health care providers’ [AOR= 3.2, (95% CI (1.57-6.53)], no history
current substance use [AOR= 2.6, (95% CI (1.45-4.63)] and patients who did not fear of
COVID-19 infection [AOR= 5.8 (3.11-10.98)] were significantly associated with optimal
ART adherence.
Conclusion: In this study, self-reported ART adherence was poor in comparison to the
expected level. Patients' adherence status was favourably related with disclosing their
own status to families and having contact with their health care providers, whereas
worrying COVID-19 pandemic infection and current substance use were adversely
associated
