TITLE:
Therapeutic Non-Adherence among People Living with HIV Followed at a Referral Center in Dakar, Senegal
AUTHORS:
Mouhamadou Thiam, Aboubakar Sidikh Badiane, Mouhamadou Baïla Diallo, Abdou Faye, Nogaye Diouf, Maguette Sene, Ndella Dieye, Harouna Ousmane Sow, Daouda Thioub, Mame Diarra Diouf, Amath Faye, Mouhamadou Moustapha Gueye, Aby Sow, Judicaël Malick Tine, Moussa Seydi
KEYWORDS:
HIV, Adherence, Dakar
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.17 No.9,
September
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Significant successes in the fight against HIV have been achieved, in part, thanks to triple antiretroviral therapy. The efficacy of antiretroviral treatment relies heavily on strict and sustained treatment adherence. However, many patients living with HIV face challenges regarding adherence. This study was conducted to evaluate the determinants of treatment non-adherence over the preceding six months among people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving care at a referral center in Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective, observational study using a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach, involving PLHIV receiving care at the Infectious Diseases Department of FANN Hospital between January 1 and November 30, 2025. Results: During the study period, we interviewed 200 individuals seen at the hospital pharmacy unit. The median age was 50 years, with an interquartile range of 36 to 59 years. The 40 - 59 and 20 - 39 groups were the most represented, at 47.00% and 29.50%, respectively. There was a predominance of women (57.00%). In our study, 36% of patients were married and 11.00% were widowed. The partner’s serological status was known for more than half of the patients (68.18%). Among those with known status, 41.00% had a partner who tested positive for HIV infection. The vast majority of patients were receiving a dolutegravir (DTG)-based treatment regimen (93.5%). Most patients adhered to prescription renewal schedules (88.50%) and took their medication as prescribed (94.00%). Furthermore, 19.00% of patients arrived at their appointment with no remaining tablets, while 71.00% arrived with 1 to 4 tablets remaining. Approximately 10.00% of patients were non-adherent. The main reasons cited were forgetfulness (40.00%) and travel (25.00%). Additionally, a lack of financial resources and transportation difficulties were each reported by 5.0% of patients. Conclusion: Approximately one in ten patients in our study exhibited non-adherence to treatment. The primary causes reported were forgetfulness and travel. These results highlight the importance of strengthening adherence support strategies to sustainably improve treatment adherence.