Relationship between Perceived Quality of Care and Adherence in Antiretroviral Therapy Treatment among HIV/AIDS Patients in Uganda, Kenya and Zambia

Martine Etienne, University of Maryland
Mian B. Hossain, Morgan State University
Anthony Amoroso, University of Maryland
Kristen Stafford, University of Maryland

Adherence is one of the most important factors in successfully treating any HIV/AIDS patient. Through a piloted patient adherence survey AIDSRelief, who is committed to ensuring improved clinical outcomes, developed and integrated indicators that measure patient and family quality of life and patient outcomes. This research uses 863 adult patients on antiretroviral therapy data collected between August 2004 and April 2005 in Uganda, Kenya and Zambia. In addition to univaraite and bivariate analyses, logistic regression models were used to assess relationship between perceived quality of care and adherence in antiretroviral therapy. Results show a significant inverse relationship between perceived quality of care and missing any clinic appointment by the HIV/AIDS patients. Those who perceived quality of care as “medium” are less likely to miss clinic appointments in the last three months compared to those who experience low quality of care (p<0.02).