Background Stringent HIV treatment adherence is paramount for expanding life and decreasing mortality (Adefolalu & Nkosi, 2013). However, pediatric adherence to therapy is a complex multifactorial issue that is affected by many issues such as characteristics of the child, caregiver(s), family, regimen, and culture (Haberer and Mellins, 2009). This study aims to explore the psychosocial influences on adherence through examining patient and caregiver return to clinic for treatment. The psychosocial influences we plan to investigate can be divided into the following: Stigma, women’s empowerment, socioeconomic factors, stress, and family characteristics.

Methods 67 caregivers of pediatric HIV patients from Shirati Hospital in Tanzania were given quantitative surveys regarding psychosocial barriers to returning the patient for HIV treatment. Survey questions included topics about income, primary caregivers, stigma about HIV, average number of people known with HIV, transportation, stress levels, missed HIV appointments and skipped medication treatments.

Results Data was split into adherent and non-adherent groups. Non-adherent group missed either an appointment or medication dosage for the patient in the past 6 months (G1). Adherent group had not missed either (G2). Percentage male patient: G1: 63.6%; G2: 51.1% Average caregiver age: G1: 39.5 years; G2: 36.5 years Caregiver sex: G1: 41.7% male; G2: 19.2% male Caregiver relationship to patient: G1 41.7% mother; G2: 56.6% mother Person taking patient to clinic is primary caregiver: G1: 63.6%; G2: 80% Patient has more than one caregiver: G1 41.7%; G2: 52.7% Caregiver at clinic believes HIV is shameful: G1: 9%; G2: 31.5% Easily able to get clinic: G1: 25%; G2: 49% Perceived stress levels: G1: 3.37, G2: 2.96 (1–5 scale)

Conclusion Summary of unique findings include the adherent group displaying increased shameful preceptions of HIV. The non-adherent group had an increased average caregiver age and were more likley to be caring for a male patient.

Disclosure No significant relationships.