“I Feel Healthy Like Any Other Person” Reasons for Defaulting from ART Treatments Use Among Adults Living with HIV in Tunduru District: A Qualitative Inquiry

Background: Continuing use of ART treatments is reported to improve health and health outcomes of people living with HIV. However, adherence to ART prescriptions is generally a challenge and many people default from HIV care and treatment. This study assessed reasons for ART treatment default among adults living with HIV in Tunduru district Tanzania. Methods: We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study between January and February 2018. Ten key informants who had defaulted from HIV care and treatment for five or more months were engaged in in-depth interviews on reasons behind defaulting. Thematic analysis using NVivo was conducted to identify emerging themes. Results: Reasons for defaulting from ART treatments which emerged include being tired of using the ART medications for a long time, not experiencing HIV related symptoms, fear of stigma and shame of being known to use ART, inadequate food, fear of side effects and use of local herbs as alternative. Other reasons include long distance to the health facilities and long waiting time for the services at the facility. Conclusion: Reasons for defaulting from HIV treatment and care among adults are multifaceted in nature requiring multifaceted efforts to address them if the gains intended from the use of ART are to be achieved and sustained.