Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment among people living with HIV followed in health centers in the Oubri region, Burkina Faso

Abstract

The WHO’s “test and treat” strategy has helped increase the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV)  on  antiretroviral  therapy.  However,  the  goal  of  viral  suppression  remains  far from being  achieved.  Adherence,  one  of  the  key  factors  in  achieving  viral  suppression,  remains a challenge. The objective of our study was to identify factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Burkina Faso’s Oubri region. An analytical study was conducted from June to December 2025. PLHIV aged 18 and older were interviewed upon arrival for their follow-up visits. Adherence was assessed based on self-reported medication intake. Individuals who had missed at least one day of treatment in the month preceding the survey were considered non-adherent. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associated factors. A total of 328 participants were included: 232 women (70.73%) and 96 men (29.27%). The mean age was 45.89 ± 12.04 years. Sixty-five participants (19.82% ;  95% CI: 15.77–24.40) were non-adherent. Factors independently associated with non-adherence were difficulty accessing health facilities  due  to  distance  (aOR  =  4.23  [95%  CI:  2.24–8.00])  and  perceived  severity  of  HIV-related  illness  (aOR  =  1.97  [95%  CI:  1.10–3.56]).  Community-based strategies  to  support  adherence, as well as psychological counseling, should be strengthened.