Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis Therapy Adherence and Associated Factors among Adults on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2022

Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis Therapy Adherence

Abstract

Background: Adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylactic medication is indispensable for adequately controlling viral load and lowering opportunistic infections linked to HIV/AIDS. However, the degree of adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis among individuals with HIV in Ethiopia is not well recorded. Thus, the current study sought to determine adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis therapy and associated factors among adults receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Lemi Kura Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 adults on HAART from May 20 to July 5, 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of participants, while a logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with the dependent variable. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with adherence.

 Results: The level of adherence to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis therapy (CPT) was 159 (46.1%). Being pregnant [AOR, 8.9, 95% CI; (4.1–16.5)], having a single marital status [AOR=2.8, 95% CI; (1.3–5.9)], initiating CPT concurrently with ART [AOR=4.9, 95% CI; (1.7–14.5)], and duration of CPT more than 3 months [AOR=3.8, 95% CI; (1.6–10.9)] were significantly associated with non-adherence.

Conclusion: The non-adherence level to CPT in the study area was found to be high, with 53.9% of individuals on HAART being non-adherent. Interventions targeting the timing and duration of CPT initiation, individuals with a single marital status, and those who have been on CPT for more than three months are crucial to reduce non-adherence.