ANTIRETROVIRAL SIDE EFFECT ON ADHERENCE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AIDS AT DR. KARIADI GENERAL REFFERAL HOSPITAL SEMARANG CENTRAL JAVA

Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is a lifelong treatment in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Adherence is the key to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. ARV have side effects that may affect patient adherence.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ARV side effects on drug adherence in PLWHA.Methods: This study used cross-sectional approach. Sample size in this study was 78 consist of people who were recruited by purposive sampling. These subjects received ARV therapy in Tropical Disease and Infection Polyclinic at General Hospital of Dr. Kariadi SemarangResult : Result showed that eta2 is 0,525625. It means that ARV side effect has impact on ARV adherence. Most of the side effects reported by the respondents were nausea and dizziness. Some respondents also reported experiencing weakness, difficult to concentrate, and diarrhea. Conclusion : Side effects have impact on patient’s ARV therapy adherence. Therefore health care provider for PLWHA should be able to recognize and concern on ARV side effect management.