Abstract:

The objective of this study was to assess adherence to option B+ ARV triple therapy and describe common HIV/AIDS clinical symptoms as indicators of non-adherence among women giving birth in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. We analyzed the prevalence of non- adherence through clinical assessment of common HIV/AIDS symptoms, indicators of non-adherence to treatment.

The cross section method, clinical assessment and self-report interview was used to identify clinical symptoms related to HIV/AIDS. The study analyzed symptoms with higher frequency of occurrence and were termed as common HIV/AIDS clinical symptoms, and were established as indicators of non- adherence. Women with three or more of these symptoms were identified as non- adherents to ART. The study also analyzed the relationship of demographic variables and adherence.

Result. Among the 105 HIV infected women under triple therapy, 63(60%) of them developed at least three HIV/AIDS related symptoms indicating that they were not adhering to the treatment, while 42(40%) adhered to the ARV therapy prescribed. The Adherence to ART Indicators tool was established presence or absence of persistent clinical symptoms of; fatigue, night sweat, muscle ache and frequently fever, extreme and unexplained tiredness, pneumonia, recurring fever, profuse night sweats, and rapid weight loss. Demographic variables were not significant related to adherence.

In conclusion, the majority of HIV infected pregnant women receiving B+ ARV triple therapy developed common HIV/AIDS clinical symptoms, indicating they were not adhering to treatment.

Keywords: Clinical assessment, non-adherence to ART, HIV infected pregnant women, HIV/AIDS symptoms, B+ ARV triple therapy, PMTCT.

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