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African Forum on Visual Impairment

This study examines the unique challenges faced by blind individuals in adhering to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Research findings highlight factors such as disability-related issues, communication barriers, socioeconomic challenges, and the impact of stigma on adherence.

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African Forum on Visual Impairment

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  1. African Forum on Visual Impairment

  2. Challenges in relation to adherence to ART for blind individuals living with HIV/AIDS and its prospectsBy TilahunBedadafrom Ethiopia

  3. Presentation outline Problem statement Objectives Methodologies Research findings

  4. Problem statement HIV/AIDS is affecting people from all over the world regardless of race, gender, “physique”, educational background and socio-economic status. Chesney (2000) stated that antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a drug which is used to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. Currently, ART services are given in the country in900 Health facilities of which 765 are Health centers. In five years from 2010-2014, ART coverage for adults persons who are above 15 reached 76%. But the coverage remains low (23.5%) for children (age <15 76% (Federal Ministry of Health, 2017). Studies have identified demographic, socio-economic, behavioral, treatment- related, and health-related factors associated with low adherence encountered by people living with HIV AIDS and ways of improving ART adherence level However, there is little research conducted on the experiences of blind people in relation to HIV AIDS care and treatment

  5. Problem statement In general, the problem of adherence to ART is disastrous particularly when it happens on blind individuals living with HIV AIDS for the reason that they are vulnerable to double stigma, economic, and psychological problems. Likewise, previous literatures in Ethiopia did not give match emphasis in exploring specific and common challenges of adherence to ART facing blind individuals living with HIV AIDS and its prospects.

  6. Research methods In-depth interview Interview was utilized In order to obtain participants’ opinions and values which are impossible to observe directly Key informant interview It was used to acquire additional data from special population

  7. Research findings The study found that there is no single responsible factor influencing blind people’s adherence to ART. Based on the obtained data from the participants, here are some of the factors affecting the adherence to ART of blind people living with HIV/AIDS Disability related factors: Mobility related factors: the finding indicates that inaccessible location of healthcare institutions which is resulted in the difficulties to acquire the needed services on time

  8. Research findings Communication as a challenge to affect adherence to ART among blind people living with HIV/AIDS Blind people living with HIV AIDS are suffering from inability to access written documents given from the healthcare institution regarding ART medicines They are unable to read the guideline written on the paper regarding ART medication and often feared asking for help from sighted peers due to risk of stigma. Moreover, it was also noted that some healthcare providers they encounter have a negative understanding that blind people are sexually inactive and consequently not contracting HIV AIDS.

  9. Research findings Disability and HIV related discrimination Because of fearing of stigma, blind people living with HIV AIDS do not take ART medicines in the presence of their family members or friends. feeling ashamed because of their disability and HIV status discouraged blind persons living with HIV/AIDS from HIV treatment and care due to fear of judgment from others

  10. Research findings Socioeconomic challenges Food insecurity and hanger It was found that not having adequate food to eat is affecting blind people’s living with HIV AIDS regular use of ART medicines. Lack of Social support It was also found that lack of Support from family, relatives, peers and society was one of the determinant factors influencing blind peoples’ adherence to ART treatment.

  11. Research findings Economic barriers They face excessive economic challenges due to costs associated with travel to clinics, clinical services and food to support the increased nutritional needs. Use of traditional medicine It was also found that use of traditional medicine among blind people living with HIV AIDS contributed to non-adherence to their HIV treatment.

  12. Research findings Forgetfulness Experiencing illness, being too busy, being away from home, taking alcohol and falling asleep lead them to forget their medicines Alcohol and substance abuse Patients who take alcohol and other substances end up forgetting to take their medicines Social drinking also explained by the participants as a barriers to their adherence to ART.

  13. Research findings Structural factors Lack of adequate health facilities there are not enough rooms that would allow for confidentiality, there is imbalance between health care professionals who are giving ART services and users. most of the public hospitals and Clinichave no adequate case managers and counselors especially who are trained on how to treat people with disabilities and living with HIV AIDS

  14. Research findings Support and monitoring from health care providers The study found that the level of regulation from health care providers can determine the level of adherence to ART for blind individuals who are HIV positive. Strategies to overcome the challenges Providing trainings for health care professionals on inclusive ART offering awareness for healthcare providers regarding how to treat blind people living with HIV AIDS.

  15. Research findings Providing social supports Those who obtained acceptance of their HIV status by their friends, family members and relatives have more effective in adherence to ART Providing home based care service HBC helps to decrease the financial expenses of patient care, Home based care is vital to reduce transport related costs

  16. Research findings Making accessible health care institutions for blind people living with HIV AIDS Enable blind people living with HIV AIDS to be independent from any individuals in the process of collecting their ART medicines from clinics/hospitals, access VCT service by their own and their HIV status like non-disabled persons who are HIV positive become confidential All information in the health care institutions, including admissions procedures on HIV AIDS medications, medical forms andgeneral information about hospital services should be prepared in a way accessible for these individuals.

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