Adherence Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy in Men Who Have Sex with Men in O.R Tambo District, Eastern Cape

Background: Many barriers prevent Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) from complying with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), including stigma and discrimination by healthcare workers at the clinic and in the community. There has yet to be much research into MSM's experience with stigma. The study aims to identify critical barriers to ART adherence faced by MSM in Mthatha and investigate how these barriers compromise ART adherence using qualitative research as an investigative tool. Methods: A qualitative research study that utilized the snowball approach to conduct face-to-face interviews among MSM who live with HIV and are non-adherent to ART. Results: The data analysis of this study produced six themes that include the following: unstable living arrangements, family rejection, health provider’s attitude, non-disclosure of HIV status to a sexual partner, treatment support, substance abuse, and stigma. Conclusion: The participants in this study highlighted barriers and challenges to ART compliance, such as unstable living arrangements, family rejection, health providers' attitudes, non-disclosure of HIV status to a sexual partner, treatment support, substance abuse, and stigma. This project synthesized knowledge based on participants' responses and their suggestions on improving adherence to ART in MSM in the O.R. Tambo District.