TITLE:
HIV/AIDS and Adolescent Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adolescents in the Bamenda Health Districts, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Esther Bashila Diyir, Loveline Lum Niba, Nshimba Ngoy Kayaya Juiskalyd, Mary Bi Suh Atanga
KEYWORDS:
ART Adherence, CALHIV, HIV/AIDS, Adolescents, Bamenda Health District, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
13,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in conflict-affected regions face unique barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, undermining UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. This study assessed ART adherence levels and associated factors among ALHIV in Bamenda, Cameroon, a region impacted by sociopolitical instability. Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024, involving 196 ALHIV aged 10 - 19 years at Bamenda Regional Hospital and Nkwen Baptist Hospital. Quantitative data were collected through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with binary logistic regression to identify adherence predictors. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews (N = 48) and focus group discussions (N = 12) were analyzed using MAXQDA 24 to explore barriers and facilitators. Results: ART adherence was 81.6%, below the 95% target. Key predictors of poor adherence included 5 - 10 years on ART (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.08 - 10.80, p = 0.016) and absence of discrimination (OR 4.64, 95% CI 0.324 - 16.263, p = 0.016), while care satisfaction (OR 0.031, 95% CI 0.001 - 0.819, p = 0.038) and father caregivers (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11 - 1.01, p = 0.052) were protective. Qualitative findings highlighted that 40% reported stigma, 44% forgetfulness and logistical barriers, with family support, peer networks, and counselling as facilitators of adherence. Conclusion: Adherence among ALHIV in Bamenda is suboptimal, driven by structural barriers like conflict-related disruptions and transport and psychosocial barriers like stigma and treatment fatigue barriers. A multistage model integrating differentiated service delivery, long-acting ART, and mHealth is proposed to enhance adherence and equity in conflict zones.