Abstract / Summary
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV management, yet ART default, defined as missing scheduled doses or clinic visits for 30 days or more, remains a significant public health challenge in resource-limited settings. Despite the expansion of ART services in Ghana, adherence rates remain suboptimal in many communities, including Kwaebibirem Municipality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors influencing ART default among patients living with HIV attending an ART clinic in Kwaebibirem Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Kade Government Hospital, the primary ART service centre in Kwaebibirem Municipality. A total of 253 patients living with HIV, aged 18 years and above, who had been on ART for a minimum of six months and were actively registered at the facility, were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, complemented by 8–10 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Predictors of ART default were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of ART default was 27.7% (95% CI: 22.5–33.5%). The most commonly reported reasons for missing doses were forgetfulness (57.1%) and perceived clinical improvement (54.3%). In the adjusted analysis, experiencing ART side effects (aOR=3.13; 95% CI: 1.64–5.98; p=0.001) and difficulty taking medication in the presence of others (aOR=2.91; 95% CI: 1.10–7.73; p=0.032) were significantly associated with higher odds of default, while higher monthly income was independently protective against default. Conclusions: ART default in Kwaebibirem Municipality is a significant concern. Economic hardship, medication side effects, and HIV-related stigma are key drivers of non-adherence. Targeted interventions including side-effect management, stigma-reduction programmes, and economic support for patients are urgently needed to improve ART retention and treatment outcomes. Keywords: ART default; HIV; antiretroviral therapy adherence; Ghana. Title: Factors Influencing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Default among Patients Living with HIV in Kwaebibirem Municipality: A Facility-Based Study Author: Ameyaw Patrick, Brainard Ayisi Asare, Stephen Quarcoo, Samuel Bortier Borlabi, Punguyire Damien, Moses Barima Djimatey, Kennedy T.C Brightson International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 2, October 2026 - March 2027 Page No: 13-23 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 08-October-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23233504 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/factors-influencing-antiretroviral-therapy-art-default-among-patients-living-with-hiv-in-kwaebibirem-municipality-a-facility-based-study