Antiretroviral therapy maintenance among HIV-positive women in Ghana: the influence of poverty
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Date
2019
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Publisher
AIDS Care
Abstract
This study examines the role of poverty in the acquisition of and adherence to antiretroviral
therapy (ART) and prescribed clinical follow-up regimens among HIV-positive women. We
conducted in-depth interviews with 40 women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Ghana and 15
stakeholders with a history of work in HIV-focused programs. Our findings indicate that financial
difficulty contributed to limited ability to maintain treatment, the recommended nutrient-rich
diet, and clinical follow-up schedules. However, enacted stigma and concurrent illness of family
members also influenced the ability of the WLHIV to generate income; therefore, HIV infection
itself contributed to poverty. To further examine the relationship between finances, ART adherence,
and the maintenance of recommended clinical follow-up, we present the perspectives of several
HIV-positive peer counselor volunteers in Ghana’s Models of Hope program. We recommend that
programs to combat stigma continue to be implemented, as decreased stigma may reduce the
financial difficulties of HIV-positive individuals. We also recommend enhancing current support
programs to better assist peer counselor volunteers, as their role directly supports Ghana’s
national strategic HIV/AIDS plan. Finally, additional investment in poverty-reduction across
Ghana, such as broadening meal assistance beyond the currently limited food programs, would
lighten the load of those struggling to combat HIV and meet basic needs.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
HIV/AIDs, poverty, peer counselors, antiretroviral treatment, Ghana
Citation
Rebecca A. Poku, Adobea Yaa Owusu, Patricia Dolan Mullen, Christine Markham & Sheryl A. McCurdy (2019): Antiretroviral therapy maintenance among HIV-positive women in Ghana: the influence of poverty, AIDS Care, DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1653434