Authors- Getahun Beyene Gemechu¹, Habtamu J², Zarihun K²

¹EFETP Resident at Jimma University, ²Lecturer at Epidemiology Department, Jimma University,

Email-getahunbeyene1@gmail.com.                    Mobile-0912855854/0978143352

Background- Sub- optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy increase risk of drug resistance, treatment failure, failure to thrive and increased risk of death in children. Even- though different studies conducted on level of adherence and associated factors among adult,  studies conducted among children below 15 years old were limited in Ethiopia in general and in study area in particular. Therefore, this study was aimed to look into children’s adherence to ART and associated factors in the study area.

Methods- A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted by including total of 282 children below 15 years, who received Anti retro viral therapy for at least one month. Data were collected from caregivers by face to face interview and record were also reviewed. All children/caregivers who were attending ART clinic during data collection period were consecutively recruited to the study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed

Result- Out of 282 caregivers included with their children, 226(80.2%) were females (mean age= 38.6 and SD = 12.35) and out of the total children, half (50%) were female and 246(87.2%) were between the ages 5–14 years (mean age= 8.5 and SD = 2.64).  Two hundred forty six (87.2%) children had an adherence status of ≥95% in the month prior to interview. Children whose caregivers were residing in urban area were 3.3 (95% CI: 1.17, 9.63) times more adherent to ART than those whose caregivers were residing in rural. Children whose caregivers were biological parent were 13.2(95% CI: 1.6, 112.3) times more adherent than those whose caregivers were non biological parent. Also children of caregivers who were knowledgeable about ART treatment, were 4.5(95% CI: 1.79, 12.43) times more adherent to ART than their counter parties.

Conclusion and recommendation- Adherence level of children in our study area was fair. Children whose caregivers were biological parent, residing in urban and knowledgeable about ART treatment were more adherent to ART. Ongoing education about treatment and further study with multiple adherence assessment method is recommended.

Key words- adherence, ART, children, Ethiopia

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