7th Call - Ms. Gladys Dzansi
Project Title: Validating the Multimethod Adherence Tool for Measuring Adherence in HIV Clients in Accra, Ghana
Principal Investigator: Ms. Gladys Dzansi (Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Legon)
Email Address: gdzansi@ug.edu.gh
Award Amount: GHC 5,000
Project Status: Final Report Submitted
Summary:
Systematic adherence monitoring in Ghana remains a challenge although client records, follow-up visits and pharmacy records have been used to estimate adherence to ART. Using validated adherence monitoring tools that is amenable to clinical and research situations is very important. The Multimethod Adherence Tool (MAT) was developed and validated in South Africa but has not been validated in Ghana. This project seeks to validate MAT, determine outcome of measuring adherence using MAT and assess acceptability and feasibility of using this tool in HIV clients in Ghana. The validation is a prelude to a study that seeks to measure adherence and determine how mobile phone integration in adherence strategies would improve adherence. The primary outcome to be compared in the two arm randomized control trial is adherence scores based on MAT hence the need to validate the tool. Respondents in this study would be recruited using systematic sampling. The hospital record of clients on ART for the period 2012-2013 in fevers unit of the Korle Bu Teaching hospital will be obtained with their contact numbers and random numbers used to select 311 prospective respondents. The interviewer administered tool will be used to collect data from the same respondents twice within 2-3 weeks intervals. The data would be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It is expected that MAT would demonstrate an internal consistency of <0.75 which is expected to increase following repeated measurement. Focus group discussion will elicit information on acceptability and feasibility of the instrument. This study will contribute to knowledge on adherence monitoring and enhance the skills of the PI who is collaborating with a more experienced researcher and senior faculty. More so, it is in line with the Universities mission to ‘develop world-class human resources and capabilities to meet national development needs and global challenges through quality teaching, learning, research and knowledge dissemination’.
Findings
The multimethod adherence tool measured the construct of adherence but demonstrated weak internal consistency <0.70 following repeated measurement.
The multicity of the tool limited estimation of overall reliability coeffient.
Discussions with research assistants revealed that the instrument was easy to administer. However, it was observed that since the tool was designed for clinical use, further work is required to use tool in larger studies. Qualitative data needs to be obtained to provide meaning and depth to the use of the tool for research purposes.