Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV-Infected Adolescents at Pediatric Department of Yopougon University Hospital, Côte d’Ivoire

Context: The consequences of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are harmful in terms of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected adolescents. There is a little data in this population in West Africa, about non-adherence to ART. Objective: To identify factors associated with non-adherence to ART in adolescents at the Pediatric Ambulatory Treatment Center (PATC) of the pediatric department of Yopougon University Hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2017 among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old at PATC of pediatrics department of Yopougon University Hospital. We have considered that adolescent was not adherent to ART when he affirm that he have not taking ART at least once in the week before the survey. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence to ART. Results: Overall 166 adolescents were included. The median age was 15 years old [IQI = 13 - 17 years]. They had a detectable viral load greater than 1000 copies/ml in 41.8% of cases. The rate of non-adherence to ART was 40.4%. The factors associated with non-adherence to ART were male [OR = 2.5 (CI = 1.1 - 10.0)], having parent widowed [OR = 7.8 (CI = 1.6 - 39.3)] or divorced [RC= 3.7 (IC=1.1 - 13.5)], CD4 inclusion rate ≥ 500 cells/ml [OR = 8.5 (CI = 1.6 - 45.5)] and duration on ART ≥ 10 years [OR = 8.9 (CI = 1.6 - 50)]. Conclusion: A rigorous therapeutic education taking into account associated factors in this study is necessary to reduce the rate of non-adherence among adolescents at PATC.