Attitudes to directly observed antiretroviral treatment in a workplace HIV care programme in South Africa

Sex Transm Infect. 2007 Aug;83(5):383-6. doi: 10.1136/sti.2007.025585. Epub 2007 Jun 13.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate attitudes to directly observed antiretroviral therapy (DOT ART) among HIV infected adults attending a workplace HIV care programme in South Africa.

Methods: Clients attending workplace HIV clinics in two regions were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: 100 individuals (99% male, mean age 40.2 years) participated, 61% were already taking ART by self administration. 71% had previous tuberculosis (TB) with the majority having received DOT for TB. 65% of individuals indicated that they would not like to receive ART by DOT-the main reason given was a desire to take responsibility for their own treatment. This contrasted with 79% who thought TB treatment by DOT a good idea. On questioning about disclosure, 70% reported disclosure to their sexual partners and 21% to fellow workers. 78% of individuals indicated willingness to support someone else taking ART.

Conclusion: ART by DOT was not an immediately popular concept with our patients, primarily because of a desire to retain responsibility for their own treatment. More work is needed to understand what key elements of treatment support are needed to promote adherence.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Directly Observed Therapy / psychology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • South Africa
  • Workplace*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents