| dc.description.abstract | Human Immuno-deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS)
has had a devastating effect on humanity. The gains made in research have seen improvements in
managing the condition and transforming HIV from an acute condition to a chronic illness that is
manageable and survivable. It is estimated that 35 million people live "with HIV and AIDs
globally, 25 million in Africa and 1.6 million in Kenya. Migori County has 13.4% AIDS
prevalence. The health facilities records in Mabera Division of Kuria West Sub-County show that
the adherence level of patients on Anti-retroviral therapy is at 98%. This does not tally with what
is presented at the households by people on antiretroviral treatment, as was discussed in a
community dialogue day in Mabera divisional headquarters. They suffer in silence both at the
household and in the entire society in attempts to interact with others and gain courage for life
support. Some of the people who live with HIV do not adhere well to therapy, are not getting
better and as they routinely collect Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) from the health facilities, their
lives are not changing for the better. The overall objective was to examine the socio-cultural
factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy of HIV patients in Mabera division, Kuria
West Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: To examine the challenges affecting the
adherence to antiretroviral therapy of people living with HIV and AIDs: to determine the effect of
social environment on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people living with HIV and
AIDs: and to establish the cultural beliefs and practices that affect the adherence to ART among
people living with HIV and AIDs in Mabera division of Kuria West Sub- County. The study was
guided by the Social Cognitive theory propagated by Bandura, 1986. The theory states that
behavior occurrence is attributable to interactions among behavioral, physiological and cognitive
factors and the environment. The study used descriptive research design, which allowed for
investigation of the situation in the community and description of phenomenon in a systematic
and accurate way. The study was conducted in Mabera division, Kuria West Sub-County, Migori
County, Kenya. It was carried out among a study population of 300 people living with HIV and
AIDs, registered in community support groups. Stratified sampling was conducted to a sample
size of 90 people, 30% of the study population. Primary data was collected through 89
questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The questionnaires were administered by
enumerators, while the FGDs were conducted to support group leaders. FGDs consisted of one
person from each support group and a total of three FGDs were conducted one in each location.
The unit of analysis was individuals composed of members who were HIV positive and on ART.
A pre-test of the questionnaires was conducted in a neighbouring location to assist in determining
accuracy, clarity and suitability of the research instruments and to check their validity and
reliability. Data collected was systematically organized, coded and entered. Both quantitative and
qualitative techniques of data analysis were utilized. Qualitative data from focused group
discussions was categorized into respective themes for analysis and used to enhance more
understanding in the description of quantitative figures by the objectives of the study.
Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical packages (SPSS) and descriptive statistics were
generated to describe the data. The study found out that there are socio-cultural factors that affect
ART adherence aggravated by low levels of income (87.6%), discrimination and rejection
(69.7%) among others. The study has generated knowledge and identified social gaps in ART in
Migori. This may call for change in policy to promote new strategies of addressing ART
adherence. The study recommends capacity building for poor households, promotion of
community support systems, and continuous HIV education on harmful cultural beliefs and
practices in Kenya. | en_US |
