In what way do Nepalese cultural factors affect the adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Nepal?

Prasad S. Wasti, Julian Adrian Randall, P. Simkhada, E. van Teijlingen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Individuals’ self administration of medication is an essential component of disease management because incorrect and incomplete medication can result in increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs and also spreads drug resistance. Its impact is necessarily wider than just medical and includes the cultural and managerial considerations which govern success in medical interventions. This review paper is aimed at how Nepalese cultural factors (beliefs, religious practices, customs and traditions) may affect adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Results: Cultural factors (individual beliefs and perceptions) are notoriously complex concepts and shape people’s identities and influence their attitude and behaviours. The individual behaviours and beliefs about health and seeking treatment can adversely affect health care utilization and adherence to medication. These factors create a complicated and unforgiving environment for patients who are struggling to endure a chronic, life-threatening illness with life-long treatment. We cannot disregard patients’ cultural beliefs or practices in order to provide ARV treatment and their adherence because patients and clinicians come from different cultural groups.
Conclusion: It is the purpose of this paper to contribute to the policy makers by exploring the pertinent cultural factors relating to the uptake of ARV treatment and its adherence.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-47
Number of pages11
JournalHealth Science Journal
Volume5
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • HIV/AIDS
  • culture
  • antiretroviral
  • adherence
  • Nepal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In what way do Nepalese cultural factors affect the adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Nepal?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this