Antiretroviral adherence experiences among inmates living with HIV/AIDS in the correctional service facilities in Limpopo Province

The study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of inmates living with HIV/AIDS regarding ARV adherence in correctional services in Limpopo Province. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approach with a constructive paradigm was employed to gain insight into the experiences of inmates living with HIV and AIDS. Non-contact telephone interviews through transparent windows were conducted with the inmates living with HIV/AIDS (n=20) from May 2021 until September 2021 in the correctional service facilities in Limpopo Province. Telephone interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim from Tshivenda, Sotho, and Tsonga into English. Data were analyzed using eight steps according to Tech’s method of qualitative analysis to determine themes and subthemes. The results indicate the burden of taking multiple medication regimens, fear of stigma and break of confidentiality, shortage of nursing staff and high workload, professional nurses ‘insufficient’ adherence counseling and health-related information and education, inmates transitioning between correctional and police station facilities, insufficient provision of meals and meals unrelated to treatment times, and inconsistent criteria for provision of a special diet as factors contributing to medication adherence for detained inmates living with HIV/AIDS in the correctional service environment. The study concluded that optimal adherence to ARV treatment for inmates living with HIV/AIDS during incarceration is crucial to achieving viral suppression and improving medication outcomes for inmates in correctional service facilities. Key Words:Prison, Treatment Compliance, Defaulter, Staff Attitudes, Professional Nurses, Workload, Stigma, Cultural Belief