TY  - JOUR
T1  - A qualitative evaluation of patients understanding, expectations and experiences with HIV/AIDS treatment
A1  - Syed Imran Ahmed
A1  - Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman
A1  - Mohammad Azmi Hassali
A1  - Maryam Farooqui
A1  - Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam
A1  - Christopher KC Lee
JF  - Archives of Pharmacy Practice
JO  - Arch Pharm Pract
SN  - 2320-5210
Y1  - 2019
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
SP  - 143
EP  - 150
N2  - Background: Treatment understanding and experiences are vital to determine HIV patients’ adherence and retention to care. Methods: In-depth patient interviews were audio-recorded, with a prior verbal and written consent and subjected to a thematic content analysis framework for data analysis. Results: Though majority of participants believed in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as the most effective way of treatment, they were greatly worried about its toxicities. Disease understanding and peer influence were regarded as the main reasons for treatment initiation; whereas, perceived side effects and lack of support system were among the main reasons associated with treatment delay. Almost all the patients experienced toxicities due to ARTs and viewed it negatively impacting their quality of life. Conclusion: It is vital for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to be retained in care; hence, the provision of optimal care with greater support to overcome treatment challenges must be focused in any HIV program.
UR  - https://archivepp.com/article/a-qualitative-evaluation-of-patients-understanding-expectations-and-experiences-with-hivaids-treatment
ER  -