Abstract

Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a significant concern in HIV management, particularly
among young adults. This study investigates the factors associated with non-adherence to ART among young adults
attending Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. Through a cross-sectional study design, 100 participants
meeting inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited. Socio-demographic, economic, and health-related factors
were examined. Findings revealed that factors such as age, marital status, occupation, level of education, number of
dependents, monthly earnings, distance to health facilities, drug use, disclosure of HIV status, duration on ART, and
CD4 count were significantly associated with non-adherence. Notably, younger age, being single, primary level of
education, unemployment, longer distance to health facilities, drug use, non-disclosure of HIV status, shorter
duration on ART, and higher CD4 counts were linked to higher rates of non-adherence. These findings underscore
the complexity of adherence behavior and highlight the importance of tailored interventions to address diverse socioeconomic
and health-related challenges faced by young adults living with HIV.Keywords: Non-adherence,
Antiretroviral therapy, Young adu