Belief in divine healing can be a barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence in Uganda
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Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Abstract
Description
Although recent data suggest high levels of adherence to expanding antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in resource-limited settings, the culture- specific barriers to adherence are poorly understood. In a prospective observational study, we found that 1.2% of patients discontinued ART because of a belief in spiritual healing. Spiritual beliefs should be an important part of ART adherence counselling in resource-limited settings, requiring close collaboration between HIV care programmes and religious leaders to identify common goals and ensure successful treatment.
Keywords
Adherence, Antiretroviral therapy, Divine healing, Observational study