Abstract:
Background: The number of people living with the Human Immune-deficiency Virus in Ethiopia
is over 620,000 and the unmet need for antiretroviral therapy is approximately 78%. We believe
we can end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Between 2010 and 2019, there had been a 23% decline in
new HIV infections globally. More people are getting treatment than ever before. By providing
quality ART service and keeping the focus on the needs and rights of key populations, we can
prevent new HIV infections and ensure those living with HIV/AIDS are not left behind.
Objective: To assess the quality of antiretroviral treatment service in the Armed force
comprehensive specialized Hospital, A.A, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an Armed forces comprehensive specialized
Hospital from June 14 to July 26, 2021. The study populations were selected from people living
with HIV and health care workers in antiretroviral therapy clinics during the study period. A
systematic sampling method was used to select the study population. Interviewer-administered
questionnaires were used for 290 patients to assess their client satisfaction and antiretroviral
drug adherence. The medical records review checklist was designed to get vital information from
documents of 422 client cards. Data were entered using SPSS version 23 to maintain their
quality and analyzed by descriptive and logistic regression techniques.
Results: All resources recommended by the national antiretroviral therapy implementation
guideline including trained staff, laboratory service, and drugs were continuously available,
except for a shortage of some OI drugs. All essential components of basic HIV care and
treatment were provided in the hospital as per national guidelines. However, missing important
components of the provision of nutritional support. The study showed that 62.8% of clients were
satisfied with the provision of ART service, 95.9% of clients were good ART drug adherence and
98.8% PLHIV suppressed viral load (<1000 copies/ml).
Conclusion: Overall, 62.8% of respondents were satisfied with ART services provision and good
adherence to ARV drugs compared to WHO recommendation. The satisfaction of ART service is
relatively low compared to other studies conducted in different regions. Whom do you live with,
have educational status, forget medication when away from home, and stop the medication when
feel healthy were negatively associated with satisfaction with ART service. Good counseling to
patients with low educational status, and with high viral load counts, and on the importance of
disclosure, is recommended and should be given by health professionals
