East African Health Research Journal

The basis for better health policy and practice

A Cross-Sectional Analysis on Correlates of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Machakos County, Kenya

  • Gladwel Muthoni MwangiDepartment of Nursing, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Sabina Wakasiaka NyancheraDepartment of Nursing, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • George Kariuki KaguruMinistry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Kevin Ng’ang’a King’utuLVCT Health Kenya.

Abstract

Background: Adolescents have unique characteristics and needs which affects their adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In Kenya, the level of adherence among adolescents is poor. With the rapid growth of adolescents living with HIV, there is a need to establish the factors that influence their adherence. Thus, this study aimed at determining the correlates of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents in Machakos county
Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study abstracted data from electronic medical records of 1766 adolescents. All adolescents living with HIV in Machakos County and accessing HIV care and treatment services in 66 comprehensive care clinics were included in the study. Adolescents with a viral load of <200 copies/ml were considered adherent while those with a viral load ≥ 200-999 copies/ml (low level viremia) and >1000 were considered non-adherent. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Chi square test was used to test significance.
Results: Only 1366 (77.4%) of the adolescents were adherent to their treatment. Living with a parent and having full disclosure of their HIV status significantly improved adherence at 90.9% (P<.001) and 85.1% (P<.001) respectively. Adolescents’ adherence to first line regimens 81.7% (P<.001) and non-lopinavir based regimens 85.7% (P<.001) was significantly better than other regimens. Among the health systems related factors, being active in care 78.1% (P<.001), satisfaction with services 82.6% (P<.001) and close proximity to the health facility 82.5% (P<.001) had significant positive influence on adherence among the adolescents.
Conclusion: Adherence was influenced by parental presence, disclosure status, drug regimen, satisfaction and proximity to services. Adherence to treatment among ALHIV is important and thus need to create adolescent friendly environments at home and in the health care facilities.

Issue
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): East African Health Research Journal
Section
Original Articles
Published
2026-11-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.24248/eahrj.v10i2.354