Investigation of the Relationship Between Accessibility to HIV Medical Care and Medication Adherence in Eastern Taiwan, 2022–2023

DOI: 10.6524/TEB.202412_40(23).0002

Ling-Li Huang, Jui-Nien Hsi, Ya-Wen Teng, Pei-Ching Huang^* 

2024 Vol.40 NO.23

Correspondence Author： Pei-Ching Huang^* 

Abstract：

        In recent years, Taiwan has achieved internationally recognized results in the prevention and control of HIV through multi-faceted strategies, including collaborating with non-governmental organizations to provide friendly services and health education, diversifying HIV testing and counseling services, offering free antiretroviral therapy, and promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, in Eastern Taiwan (Hualien and Taitung counties), the rate of viral suppression among People Living with HIV (PLWH) was 88.8%, below the national average of 92.9%. To explore the reasons for poor treatment adherence, in this study we analyzed data from the HIV/AIDS Management System of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses. Statistical data and visitation records in the system were examined, and HIV case managers in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals and local health centers were interviewed.
        Analyses revealed that there was a clear insufficiency of HIV-related medical resources in Eastern Taiwan, and inaccessibility to medical services negatively affected medication adherence among patients living in rural and mountainous areas. Using telehealth to provide medical services to patients living in remote areas and those who have difficulty accessing care through traditional means is recommended to prevent the continued spread of viruses, decrease the healthcare burden following opportunistic infections, and minimize the development of drug resistance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of prevention and treatment.