SA Fam Pract 2010;52(4):350-355Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a strong predictor of progression to AIDS and death. It remains the most important potentially alterable factor that determines treatment outcomes.
Methods:The study is a cross-sectional survey of self-reported adherence to ART and associated factors. The clinic had a tenfold increase in patient enrolment and a ninefold decline in staff-to-patient ratio, and the proportion of patients lost to follow-up doubled in the preceding four years.Conclusion: Adherence to ART was poor. The capacity of the clinic to manage patients adequately has declined significantly. Decentralisation of ART services to primary health care facilities should be considered.Peer reviewed.
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