ITAS can contribute to significant improvements in inhalation technique among patients using inhaler devices.

The study shows that both nurses and auxiliary staff are unable to provide the patients with adequate advice about administration of the ARV drugs and management of ADRs. Serious lack of knowledge among HCPs regarding the treatment of HIV presents structural barriers to the patients' adherence.

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Both nurses and auxiliary staff expressed lack of knowledge and confidence regarding ADRs in HIV patients and management of this. More emphasis is warranted on training the healthcare providers to identify ADRs and provide adequate advice for continued treatment of patients experiencing potential drug related problems.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV became available in the South African public health sector in 2004. Medical treatment in public primary health care (PHC) clinics is dependent on nurses and auxiliary staff. The aim of this descriptive study was to describe practice patterns and perceptions of health care providers (HCPs) regarding treatment of HIV-infected patients on ART, drug adherence, and patient education in a public PHC setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire, were conducted with all HCPs (N=43) working with the ART program at 7 PHC clinics. Insufficient training was expressed as a major concern. Medication adherence was believed to be the most important aspect of care to discuss with HIV-infected patients. HCPs perceived that patients had few side effects. HCPs faced challenges with heavy workloads, lack of sufficient human resources and training, and time constraints.