Journal
AIDS AND BEHAVIOR
Volume 14, Issue 4, Pages 778-784Publisher
SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS
DOI: 10.1007/s10461-009-9533-2
Keywords
HIV/AIDS; Transportation; ARVs; Adherence; Access; Uganda
Funding
- NIMH NIH HHS [K23 MH079713-02, K24 MH087227, K23 MH079713-01, K23 MH079713-03, K23 MH079713-03S1, R01 MH065247-03, K23 MH079713, R01 MH054907, R01 MH065247] Funding Source: Medline
- PHS HHS [R0-1 54907] Funding Source: Medline
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The cost of transportation for monthly clinic visits has been identified as a potential barrier to antiretroviral (ARV) adherence in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere, although there is limited data on this issue. We conducted open-ended interviews with 41 individuals living with HIV/AIDS and attending a clinic in Mbarara, Uganda, to understand structural barriers to ARV adherence and clinical care. Almost all respondents cited the need to locate funds for the monthly clinic visit as a constant source of stress and anxiety, and lack of money for transportation was a key factor in cases of missed doses and missed medical appointments. Participants struggled with competing demands between transport costs and other necessities such as food, housing and school fees. Our findings suggest that transportation costs can compromise both ARV adherence and access to care. Interventions that address this barrier will be important to ensure the success of ARV programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
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