(University of the Free State, 2006) Booysen, Frikkie; Anderson, Shaun; Meyer, Kobus
English: Compliance with follow-up is needed to ensure that the public sector antiretroviral
treatment programme in South Africa is successful and sustainable. This paper investigates
the nature of factors associated with the retention of public sector ART
patients in the primary health care-driven model. Data from a cross-sectional survey
among patients are used. Income and social support are important facilitators of patient
retention. Yet, income may also impact negatively on patient retention where
entire families rely on a single breadwinner for their livelihood. Substance and alcohol
abuse and stigma, according to the evidence, may impede patient retention. Avenues
for further research are proposed and suggestions are put forward as to possible solutions
to these policy dilemmas.