Understanding ART Adherence among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study of Barriers and Facilitators

Jonathan Altamirano (), Isdorah A. Odero, Mevis Omollo, Eucabeth Awuonda, Ken Ondeng’e, Jennifer L. Kang, Rasika Behl, Richard Ndivo, Michael Baiocchi, Hellen C. Barsosio and Clea C. Sarnquist
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Jonathan Altamirano: Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Isdorah A. Odero: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Mevis Omollo: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Eucabeth Awuonda: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Ken Ondeng’e: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Jennifer L. Kang: Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Rasika Behl: Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Richard Ndivo: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Michael Baiocchi: Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Hellen C. Barsosio: Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu 40100, Kenya
Clea C. Sarnquist: Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: Background: HIV remains a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This population has a high incidence of HIV and other comorbidities, such as experiencing violence, and low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. To reach global HIV goals, data are needed on the specific adherence barriers for AGYW living with HIV, so interventions can be targeted effectively. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected at urban and rural health facilities in and around Kisumu County, western Kenya, from January to June 2022, from AGYW 15–24 years of age who were living with HIV. Surveys included questions on intimate partner violence, mental health issues, food security, and orphanhood. Adherence was categorized using viral load testing where available and the Center for Adherence Support Evaluation (CASE) adherence index otherwise. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between potential explanatory variables and adherence. Findings: In total, 309 AGYW participated. AGYW with experiences of emotional violence (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03–3.66), moderate or severe depression (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.47–6.94), and/or substance use (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.24–5.92) had significantly higher odds of poor adherence when compared to AGYW without these respective experiences. Physical and sexual violence, food insecurity, and orphanhood were not associated with poor adherence in this cohort. Interpretation: Elucidating the risk factors associated with poor adherence among AGYW living with HIV allows us to identify potential targets for future interventions to improve ART adherence and HIV care outcomes. Mental health and violence prevention interventions, including combination interventions, may prove to be promising approaches.

Keywords: HIV; intimate partner violence; treatment adherence; adolescent health; women’s health; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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